City Council Minutes 2001 03 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Louisville City Council Meeting March 6, 2001 Page 10 PSCo's position would be if the level of EMF or noise were identified as a problem. Diehl stated that PSCo would rely on the City to advise them of such concerns for correction. He assured Council that, if the City monitored EMF and sound levels and a problem was identified, PSCo would service the poles. Brown asked Diehl if the EMF and noise levels are reduced because the lines are higher~ Diehl stated the height of the line does have a minor effect on reduction of EMF levels; however, there are other factors that reduce the magnetic fields. The reduction in noise is due to the larger conductor and new fixtures. Brown asked Ms. Heaney for her opinion on the most effective monitoring system. Heaney suggested that once the line is installed, PSCo should do a significant amount of monitoring because they have the technical knowledge. Brown asked Mr. Gheleta about the testimony at the PUC hearings relative to alternatives presented as temporary measures. He asked what those alternative temporary measures were. Gheleta stated that the PUC staff discussed and reviewed several temporary measures. He noted that one measure was the pole-jacking of the line. Brown asked Diehl about the temporary measures discussed by the PUC staff. Diehl stated that the PUC staff discussed temporary measures, but indicated that they would not accept any such measures as a remedy. He noted that the PUC staff agreed that a permanent fix is needed. Brown asked Diehl if PSCo would agree to perform the monitoring measures. Diehl stated that, at one time PSCo had the staff and equipment to monitor the lines, however, they no longer have the staff or equipment to do so. He added that there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that there would be any negative impact from EMF. He noted that noise is not a common problem in the lines. Davidson asked Public Works Director Phare if there are any City utilities running within the PSCo right-of-way. Phare stated that there are water lines running from South Boulder Road to the Coal Creek golf course through the PSCo right-of-way. Davidson asked Diehl what PSCo's objection is to the concrete aggregate poles. Diehl stated that the poles are more expensive and a much heavier structures, which would require increasing the right-of-way to enable the transport and installation of the poles. He added that there is not enough lead-time to have the poles delivered and meet the summer peak-demand. Davidson asked Diehl what independent data the PUC reviewed besides the data from Xcel (PSCo). Diehl stated that the PUC reviewed data submitted by Xcel and a report that was generated by the PUC staff. 10