Columboola to Wandoan South 275 kV Transmission Line and Wandoan South Substation Project Environmental Impact Statement and

Environmental Management Plan

12.

Electric and magnetic fields

This chapter provides information on the existing health and safety environment in the Study Area, and any potential impacts on the health and safety of anyone working or living or otherwise frequently present in the Study Area. This assessment includes the potential for impacts from electric and magnetic fields.

12.1

Existing health and safety environment

The broader Study Area, which was a predominantly rural mix of agricultural or completely undeveloped areas little more than a decade ago, is now seeing increasing levels of industrial development in the form of coal seam gas extraction, collection and processing facilities, gas transmission pipelines, power generation facilities, power transmission lines and other associated infrastructure. With this change in character, there is expected to be an increase in the workforce normally or regularly present in the area, and changes in the nature of work undertaken and the consequent health and safety environment. However, the number of people involved is still expected to be relatively small, as the facilities involved are general widely distributed and are often highly automated and in some cases unattended, attended parttime, or visited only infrequently. There are only a small number of residences in the area, and none in close proximity to the Final Alignment for the proposed transmission lines. The health and safety environment in and around the Study Area can therefore be expected to reflect a mix of rural and growing industrial issues, with some of the risks depending on the normal employment of the individuals involved. Travelrelated safety issues are expected to affect all groups, as medium and longdistance travel is likely to be common.

12.2

Potential impacts and mitigation measures

Other than the obvious safety risks from accidental contact with high voltages, the presence of electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) is often perceived within the community to be a source of health risk associated with high voltage transmission lines. This section reviews current understanding of the potential health risks associated with electric and magnetic fields, and how this applies to the Project.

12.2.1

Overview

The two principal environmental aspects of high voltage transmission lines are alternating electric and magnetic fields generated at power transmission frequencies (in Australia, at 50 cycles per second, or 50 Hz). These fields exist throughout the built environment as a result of the almost universal use of alternating current (AC) electricity in modern communities. Over the past 30 40 years, they have been subjected to considerable speculation, scrutiny and research regarding possible health effects.

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12.2.2

Background information regarding electric and magnetic fields

Electric and magnetic fields occur almost everywhere. Some fields occur naturally, whilst others are the result of human activity. Electric and magnetic fields can exist independently of each other, and can result from both natural sources and human activity. Those that arise from natural sources are usually either static or vary only very slowly over time. Naturally occurring electric fields result from charged particles in the atmosphere and storm activity. The electric field strength can vary quite quickly as a result of lightning discharges, The earths natural magnetic field varies with latitude (and also very slowly with time). Some rocks and minerals are also naturally magnetic. Unlike most natural electric and magnetic fields, those relevant to transmission lines alternate at the frequency of the AC power transmission system. These fields alternate in magnitude and direction 50 times per second (50 Hz). Although they may occur simultaneously at the same place, the electric and magnetic fields exist independently of one another. These powerfrequency fields are commonly referred to as extra low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields (EMFs). EMFs must not be confused with electromagnetic radiation. Electric and magnetic fields are fundamentally different, in their physical nature and in the way they interact with the body, from true electromagnetic radiation such as radio waves and microwaves (NRL 2008). Unlike independent EMFs (including ELF EMFs), the electric and magnetic fields in true electromagnetic radiation (EMR) are inseparably combined, and result in different types of radiation including radio and television signals, microwaves, visible light, Xrays and gamma rays, depending on the frequency of the fields. They can travel over large distances and in some cases through materials.

12.2.3

Sources of power frequency electric and magnetic fields

Electric fields EMFs are produced by all transmission lines, distribution systems, wiring and equipment that use alternating current (AC) electricity. An electric field will exist around any conductor that is energised from the power supply, whether or not there is any load connected to it. The strength of power frequency electric fields depend primarily on the voltage of the system and also on the distances of the point of measurement from the energised conductor and from nearby earthed objects. High voltage transmission lines may generate fields of several thousand volts per metre (V/m), whereas fields from lower voltage distribution lines will be in the order of hundreds of V/m, and home appliances several tens of V/m or less. It is important to note that the electric field strength falls quickly with increasing distance from the voltage source. It is also relatively easy to shield electric fields. Trees, shrubs, buildings, human skin and even clothes will shield electric fields.

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Magnetic fields The magnetic fields associated with AC electricity systems are caused by and proportional to the flow of alternating electric current through conductors. The strength and direction of the field will change with the alternating current at 50 Hz. The strength of the magnetic field also decreases rapidly with distance from the source, but it is not practical to provide shielding for magnetic fields (unlike the simple shielding that is possible for electric fields). However, the magnetic fields generated by the individual conductors in an AC power system can partly cancel each other, depending on their configuration relative to each other. This cancelling effect is greater when the conductors are closer together. It is for this reason that the magnetic field directly above an underground cable buried 1 to1.5 m deep can be as high as or higher than the field directly below an equivalently loaded line some 10 m overhead. However, the field strength from the underground cable will usually fall off faster with increasing distance because of the closer proximity of the conductors to one another. Typical magnetic fields, measured at normal user distance from common household appliances, some overhead lines and associated infrastructure are outlined in Table 12.1. The data in Table 12.1, from the Energy Networks Association, shows that power frequency magnetic fields are not just associated with high voltage transmission lines but are found everywhere in modern society with its almost universal reliance on electricity. Table 12.1 Typical magnetic fields from household appliances and transmission lines
Typical measurement (mG) 6 5 1 20 25 2 3 3 1 10 20 10 Range of measurements (mG) 230 220 0.22 530 1070 25 210 210 0.22 220 10200 250

Common sources of EMF Electric stove Personal computer Television Electric blanket Hair dryer Refrigerator Toaster Electric kettle Pedestal fan Distribution power lines (directly under) Transmission line (directly underneath) Transmission line (at edge of easement)
Source: Notes:

Energy Networks Association 2006 i) ii) Measurements are taken at normal user distances Owing to variations in the design of electrical appliances and the loadings on powerlines, the levels of magnetic fields can vary. The information provided in Table 121 is based on a consistent set of measurements undertaken by power authorities in Australia, using similar techniques and protocols to overseas measurements. Because of the difference in appliance design and voltage overseas, there can often be different levels shown in overseas publications.

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12.2.4

Health concerns regarding electric and magnetic fields

Beginning about 30 years ago, a body of health research has suggested that there may be an association between magnetic field exposure and disease including, in particular, childhood leukaemia. In 2001, low frequency magnetic fields were evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as being a possible carcinogen to humans (Classification Group 2B) (refer Table 12.2). This classification was based on consideration of the reported persistence of a statistical association between prolonged exposure to elevated magnetic fields and childhood leukaemia. Table 12.2
Classification Group 1: carcinogenic Group 2A: probably carcinogenic Group 2B: possibly carcinogenic Group 3: not classifiable Group 4: probably not carcinogenic

Classification of agents and substances

Agents 108 agents including asbestos and gamma radiation 63 agents including UV radiation and diesel exhaust 248 agents including coffee, lead and petrol exhaust 515 agents 1 agent Caprolactam

Source: IARC 2009 http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Classification/crthalllist.php

Extensive animal and cellular research has failed to provide clear support for such an association, and to date no biological mechanism has been established to account for such an effect. Periodic reviews of all of the published science by authoritative medical health panels internationally have consistently found no established causal link between exposure to the levels of electric and magnetic fields encountered in our normal environment and adverse health outcomes. Nevertheless, because of questions raised by some studies that have not been satisfactorily answered, health authorities recommend exercising caution. The authority responsible for this issue in Australia is the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). In their current fact sheet detailing the results of these health studies, ARPANSA (2008a), concludes that:
It is for these reasons that the majority of scientists, and Australian radiation health authorities in particular, do not regard chronic exposure to 50 Hz electric and magnetic fields at the levels commonly found in the environment as a proven health risk. Moreover, the evidence we have is inconclusive and does not allow health authorities to decide whether there is a specific magnetic field level above which chronic exposure is dangerous or compromises human health. Some authorities advocate a policy of minimizing exposure wherever possible, providing this can be achieved at reasonably modest cost.

The statements from ARPANSA are consistent with similar conclusions drawn by other international health review panels. There are no current Australian standards regulating the strength of electric and magnetic fields to which the public may be exposed. ARPANSA has issued a draft consultation standard (for which public comment closed in February 2007). The draft contains suggested limits for public and occupational exposure based on known biological effects of these fields on people.

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For public exposure, the 2006 draft recommended limits at 50 Hz of 1,000 mG for magnetic fields and 5 kV/m for electric fields. It further suggests a precautionary approach to exposures because of unresolved questions raised by the research into childhood leukaemia noted above. From the early 1990s, besides ensuring that its facilities comply with recognised guidelines, Powerlink has adopted an approach of prudence in respect of EMFs in line with the policy recommendation of its industry association (currently the Energy Networks Association (ENA)). This policy embraces a range of actions including prudent avoidance which was defined in the Australian context by Sir Harry Gibbs as:
..to do whatever can be done without undue inconvenience and at modest expense to avert the possible risk . (Gibbs Report 1991).

In practice this means that when planning new powerlines, the responsible authority needs to look at the design aspect (compaction and phase arrangements of conductors) and routing so that the alignment provides as much clearance as possible from frequented locations where people, especially children, might spend extended periods of time, so long as this can be achieved at modest cost and without undue inconvenience. Prudent avoidance in this context is thus a policy response to a situation where there are questions raised by the health science, but no definitive answers. It involves taking no or lowcost (prudent) measures to reduce public exposure to EMFs even in the absence of evidence to show whether such measures will achieve any health benefits for the affected community. It is not about setting arbitrary limits which are not supported by medical authorities.

12.2.5

Corona ion discharge

In addition to the 50 Hz electric fields themselves, as discussed in Sections 12.2.1 to 12.2.4 there is a related phenomenon known as corona. Corona is a localised electrical discharge which can occur due to very high localised electric fields in the vicinity of sharp edges on energised conductors and fittings. Corona leads to the generation of ions in the air, as well as audible and radio frequency noise. Transmission lines are designed as far as possible to prevent corona but some level of corona generally remains. About 10 years ago, a group of researchers in the UK suggested that effects some hundreds of metres from a powerline (where the separation distance would result in no remaining fields), may result from ions generated by corona on the line, attaching to pollutant particles in the air, and drifting downwind to deposit on (or perhaps be inhaled by) people. It was further suggested that the electrically charged particles might be more likely to be deposited in the lungs than similar uncharged particles. In considering this hypothesis, it should be noted that ions similar to corona ions are present naturally due to the existence of natural high voltage fields in the atmosphere. Authorities have not been able to establish a plausible mechanism that would explain any significant increase in the dose of any pollutants and any more than a small effect on longterm health risks. The impact of this phenomenon on human health has been challenged by Swanson and Jeffers (cited in ARPANSA 2006). An NRPB advisory group report concluded that the effects on deposition of particles in the respiratory tract, if any are likely to be very small (cited in ARPANSA 2006).

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12.2.6

General conclusion regarding EMF exposure

In summary, the advice of recognised health authorities is that whilst a causal link has not been established between human health and exposure to power frequency electric and magnetic fields, prudence should be exercised in relation to EMF exposure because of as yet unanswered questions, especially in some of the childhood epidemiological studies. It is understood that Powerlink has adopted the policy of prudent avoidance in response to this issue and this is consistent with the above advice. For the current Project, it has been possible to select an alignment which is remote from frequented locations and this is entirely consistent with the application of prudent avoidance.

12.2.7

Existing field strengths in and around the alignment

ERGONs 33 kV distribution line follows the Leichardt Highway and passes within approximately 500 m of some houses within the general area. There are also other distribution lines in the area. These, together with the electrical systems within each house will all contribute to some extent to the electric and magnetic field experienced by residents. However, the large separation distances of the main distribution network from most houses mean that the fields they cause within any residence is likely to be very small, and most if not all of the field will be caused by local distribution lines and domestic wiring. Residents are likely to experience field strengths typical of any domestic situation, similar to those noted in Table 12.1.

12.2.8

Possible receptors in proximity to the proposed development

There are no homes closer than approximately 600 m from the Final Alignment. At this distance, no detectable EMF would exist as a result of the construction and operation of the proposed Columboola to Wandoan South transmission lines. Detectable fields are likely to be present only as a result of local distribution lines and domestic wiring and appliances, as detailed in Section 12.2.7. There are no places of assembly or other frequented locations in the vicinity of the Final Alignment. It is not expected that any persons other than Powerlinks employees or contractors would spend any significant periods of time within or close to the easement. With the large number of coal seam gas production and collection facilities planned for the area, it is likely that persons engaged in activities related to these operations will spend time in or occasionally cross the Powerlink easement. Such persons may be subjected temporarily to a higher ELF magnetic field than they might experience in their home, but such exposure would be well within the limits in current international health guidelines or proposed in the Draft ARPANSA Guideline for public exposure. Any person concerned about potential health effects has alternative route options along public roads that would not involve following the Powerlink easement.

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12.2.9

Electric and magnetic field assessment field strengths associated with the proposed development

The combined field strength of the two proposed 275 kV Columboola to Wandoan South transmission lines has been calculated by Powerlink, and is shown in Figure 12.1.

Figure 12.1

Estimated total magnetic field strength for the proposed 275 kV Columboola to Wandoan South transmission lines

It can be seen from the figure that the maximum field strength directly underneath the centre line of each transmission line is up to 35 mG. On the edge of the easement the field strength decreases to approximately 5 mG. These values are consistent with the typical values quoted in Table 12.1, and are well within the draft exposure limits proposed by ARPANSA and noted in Section 12.2.4.

12.2.10

Health concern mitigation

As there are no residences or other frequented locations located close enough to the transmission lines, or likely in future to be located close enough, to be subjected to any measureable increase in magnetic field over typical background levels, there are no health concerns regarding any residences in the vicinity of the Project.

12.2.11

Persons working on or under high voltage transmission lines

Powerlink employees and contractors working within the easement will do so in accordance with relevant health and safety guidelines and procedures, as will those working on the structures themselves. No members of the public are expected to remain in the easement, and in any case they will not be exposed to fields in excess of current international health guidelines. It is possible that anyone standing in the electric field under a high voltage power line may experience a small tickle similar to the effects of static electricity often experienced in dry weather, but this is not a health issue.

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12.2.12

Interference with implanted medical devices

Users of implanted medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators are typically issued with warnings regarding the effects of electric and magnetic fields including those from electric arc welders and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) devices. There are no known instances of adverse effects on pacemaker users around power lines, or in other areas where exposure limits comply with the ICNIRP reference levels for the public [1,000 mG] (NRL 2008).

12.2.13

Induction in adjacent metal objects

The electric field generated by a transmission line can induce a charge in a sufficiently large metal object that is insulated from the earth. A person touching it could discharge the object to earth and experience a microshock. Powerlink will assess the potential for such situations and propose mitigation measures for any objects in or near the easement that may be affected. There is also the possibility that a transmission line could cause interference with the operation of an electric fence running parallel to the transmission line for a sufficient distance. The inductive coupling between the transmission line and the fence wire could induce currents and voltages in the fence wire that could interfere with the equipment generating the pulses on the fence. Powerlink will provide mitigation measures to assist the owner of any electric fence installation that might be adversely affected. Coupling either between the two transmission lines or between the transmission lines and other conductive infrastructure running parallel to them such as pipelines or rail lines, could result in induced voltages and currents, especially in the event of fault conditions. There are no known structures within a proximity to the Final Alignment that are likely to be affected by such coupling effects and that would give rise to any health or safety risk to the general public. Coupling between the transmission lines might give rise to safety issues for anyone working on the lines themselves, for example during construction or maintenance activities, but these activities are covered by standard Powerlink safe operating procedures. The extensive coal seam methane (CSM) extraction and collection systems planned for the area will result in a large number of pipelines being constructed in the vicinity of the easement. Powerlink controls any activities undertaken in its easements and has very clear design and operational guidelines for structures such as pipelines. These are put in place to ensure the safety of workers and protection of the transmission line, pipelines and associated assets. They have been communicated to QGC, which will be undertaking the CSM development.

12.2.14

Potential for impact on crops and livestock

In more than 50 years of operating high voltage transmission lines across Queensland, Powerlink and its predecessor have no known instance of detrimental effects on crops or livestock from exposure to EMF.

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12.2.15

Radio and television interference

The corona discharges from points of high local electric field strength on transmission lines, described in Section 12.2.5, can generate highfrequency fields in a broad band in the radio spectrum from a few hundred kilohertz (kHz) up to several megahertz (MHz). These radio frequency fields may cause interference with radio broadcast reception at locations near the transmission lines. There should not be any significant problem if the correct line hardware design is used. This form of interference is also subject to statutory limits imposed in accordance with Australian Standards The proposed transmission line will be designed to meet these standards, and there are no houses close to the alignment, so radiofrequency fields are not expected to be a social or environmental problem. In the event that coronainduced interference becomes a problem, Powerlink will arrange to undertake any necessary remedial work. Overhead transmission lines may also cause some degree of shielding of radio and television signals for receivers near the line, which may cause reception difficulties in areas of weak signal strength. As there are no residences close to the transmission line, no adverse impacts are anticipated in this regard. Powerlink can assist people experiencing reception problems caused by transmission lines by providing advice and, in extreme cases, signal amplification equipment.

12.3

Other potential impacts and mitigation measures

The Project is not expected to involve the use of any significant quantities of dangerous goods other than diesel fuel for mobile plant used during construction. Normal handling and storage procedures in accordance with good practice will ensure that no adverse health or safety impacts should arise from its use. The need to cross other live power lines, and the use mobile cranes and other equipment in the easement during construction will result in a safety risk for construction crews. Strict Powerlink procedures and supervision of construction will be in place, together with observance of statutory occupational health and safety requirements, to prevent any significant risk from injury from construction risks, such as contact with live power lines and working at heights. Due to the strict Powerlink procedures and implementation and supervision of construction statutory occupational health and safety requirements, it is not expected that the Project will place any significant burden on local emergency services as a result of workplace incidents. There may be other less significant issues that are likely to exist for short periods during construction such as the generation of dust. The separation of the Final Alignment from any residences should significantly mitigate any such impacts.

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