Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 62-814.100 - Intent, Findings, Basis of Standards, and Research Needs
(1) Intent. The intent and purpose of this
chapter is to establish electric and magnetic field (EMF) standards for 60
hertz electrical transmission lines and substations rated at 69 kV or greater,
to prescribe how compliance with those standards shall be determined, and to
establish rules for all electrical facilities, pursuant to sections
403.061(31) and
403.523(1) and
(14), F.S., relating to the protection of
public health and welfare from such electrical facilities.
(2) Findings. Based on the information
available to the Department, the Department makes the following general
findings:
(a) The Department has reviewed the
present scientific data on the potential for health effects of electric and
magnetic fields. The Department has also reviewed data on the existing or
potential electric and magnetic field levels near electrical transmission and
distribution lines and substations in Florida. Although there is evidence of
biological effects and a potential for adverse health effects on the public,
there is no conclusive evidence that there is any danger or hazard to public
health at the levels of electric and magnetic fields permitted by the standards
set forth in this chapter.
(b) With
respect to 60 hertz EMF, reasonable measures include requiring all new and
modified transmission lines and substations to meet standards which are
achievable through the use of available EMF reduction technology and measures,
but in no case to allow any new or modified transmission line or substation,
under normal conditions, to cause electric or magnetic field strengths greater
than the highest operating voltage and the maximum current rating (MCR) values
for existing transmission lines and substations.
(3) Basis of EMF Standards.
(a) Electric Field Strength. The electric
field strength standards in this rule are based on the avoidance of the
perception of an electric field at the edge of the right-of-way (ROW) or within
a ROW; and on the reasonable measures and status quo cap criteria stated under
paragraph (2), Findings, above. Compliance with the National Electrical Safety
Code (NESC), which applies to all electrical transmission lines and substations
within Florida through rules administered by the Florida Public Service
Commission (PSC), ensures that unsafe conditions will not exist in the vicinity
of these facilities, but compliance with that code does not ensure that a
person will not experience tingling sensation or mild, though harmless, shock
within the ROW.
(b) Magnetic Field
Strength. The magnetic field strength standards in this rule are based on the
reasonable measures and status quo cap criteria stated under paragraph (2),
Findings, above.
(c) Both Field
Strengths. For both electric and magnetic fields, the standards apply to the
maximum field strength that occurs, or is predicted to occur by the model
prescribed in this rule (whichever is greater) under any normal operating mode
(all operating conditions except emergency load conditions). Under most normal
load conditions, the actual magnetic field strength at the edge of the ROW will
be about one-half of the standards, which are to be met at the facilities
maximum current rating (MCR).
(4) Categories of Electrical Facilities. This
chapter sets forth two categories of electrical facilities for regulation in
regards to the electric and magnetic fields associated with these facilities.
(a) The first category is for existing
electrical facilities on which construction was commenced prior to March 21,
1989, and new distribution lines. These facilities will be allowed to operate
in accordance with subsection
62-814.400(2),
F.A.C.
(b) The second category is
for new transmission lines and substations the construction of which commenced
after March 21, 1989.
(5)
Effect of Rule. The effect of this chapter is to establish requirements to
reasonably protect the public health and welfare from electric and magnetic
fields associated with electrical transmission lines, distribution lines and
substations.
Notes
Rulemaking Authority 403.061(7), 403.523(1) FS. Law Implemented 403.061(31), 403.523(14) FS.
New 3-21-89, Amended 1-7-93, Formerly 17-274.100, 17-814.100, Amended 6-1-08.
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