Work On High Voltage Lines Worries Residents
Residents Concerned Over Electromagnetic Fields
POSTED: 11:48 pm EDT March 10, 2009
UPDATED: 6:09 am EDT March 11, 2009
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NATICK, Mass. -- Construction on high voltage power lines have some Natick residents feeling powerless and fearful for their families.
VideoPete Langan's kids play under a pair of high voltage power lines that didn't bother him until he learned NSTAR was splitting them up and moving one line closer to his home."Right now, it's safe. The EMF levels are 1.2, which, by all standards, is safe. They're going to go to a level between seven and 22, which our own doctor tells us isn't safe," Langan said.A few miles away on Samuel Path, residents said they worry their kids may be at risk. Residents said the work began without any warning.Dr. Kimberly Buckman, of Natick, said studies show the danger of prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields."The incidents of childhood leukemia goes from one in 2,000 to one in 1,200. So, there's a 40 percent increase in potential risk," she said.NSTAR said the project will improve reliability by separating the lines. A company representative said the electromagnetic fields are well within what the state allows, NewsCenter 5s Kelley Tuthill reported.Homeowners said they have concerns about the affect on property values. They're furious about the number of trees NSTAR removed for the project -- 40 on Melody Way alone.NSTAR said the company had to remove the trees and promised to replace them with smaller landscaping. Homeowners want NSTAR to rethink this project."We would like them to bury the line to prevent potential harm to my child," Langan said.
VideoPete Langan's kids play under a pair of high voltage power lines that didn't bother him until he learned NSTAR was splitting them up and moving one line closer to his home."Right now, it's safe. The EMF levels are 1.2, which, by all standards, is safe. They're going to go to a level between seven and 22, which our own doctor tells us isn't safe," Langan said.A few miles away on Samuel Path, residents said they worry their kids may be at risk. Residents said the work began without any warning.Dr. Kimberly Buckman, of Natick, said studies show the danger of prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields."The incidents of childhood leukemia goes from one in 2,000 to one in 1,200. So, there's a 40 percent increase in potential risk," she said.NSTAR said the project will improve reliability by separating the lines. A company representative said the electromagnetic fields are well within what the state allows, NewsCenter 5s Kelley Tuthill reported.Homeowners said they have concerns about the affect on property values. They're furious about the number of trees NSTAR removed for the project -- 40 on Melody Way alone.NSTAR said the company had to remove the trees and promised to replace them with smaller landscaping. Homeowners want NSTAR to rethink this project."We would like them to bury the line to prevent potential harm to my child," Langan said.Copyright 2009 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
