8. EMF

The Commission has examined EMF impacts in several previous proceedings.¹ We found the scientific evidence presented in those proceedings was uncertain as to the possible health effects of EMFs, and we did not find it appropriate to adopt any related numerical standards. Because there is no agreement among scientists that exposure to EMF creates any potential health risk, and because CEQA does not define or adopt any standards to address the potential health risk impacts of possible exposure to EMFs, the Commission does not consider magnetic fields in the context of CEQA and determination of environmental impacts.

However, recognizing that public concern remains, we do require, pursuant to GO 131-D, Section X.A, that all requests for a certificate of public convenience and necessity include a description of the measures taken or proposed by the utility to reduce the potential for exposure to EMFs generated by the proposed project. We developed an interim policy that requires utilities, among other things, to identify the no-cost measures undertaken, and the low-cost measures implemented, to reduce the potential EMF impacts. The benchmark established for low-cost measures is 4% of the total budgeted project cost that results in an EMF reduction of at least 15% (as measured at the edge of the utility right-of-way). 

The proposed subtransmission line is designed to (1) use poles that are about five feet taller than the "preferred" 115 kV overhead design, (2) use a triangular type pole-head configuration for single-circuit segments and a double-circuit pole-head configuration for double-circuit segments, and (3) phase the subtransmission line with respect to the adjacent existing transmission and subtransmission lines. The proposed Fogarty Substation is designed to phase the looped 115 kV transmission lines into the proposed substation and to place major electric equipment (such as transformers, capacitor banks and switchracks) away from the substation property lines. This design complies with SCE's EMF Design Guidelines filed with the Commission.

¹ D.06-01-042 and D.93-11-013.