Digital Train Radio System Kingsgrove BTS Site Review of ...

Construction is unlikely to have any adverse effect on nearby businesses. Noise impacts will be
temporary (less than six weeks). There will be no traffic or access changes for any businesses
or residents.
There will be positive long-term effects resulting from the proposal, as the new DTRS will
provide a more effective communication service and improve the safety of the rail network.
There may be minor short-term positive impacts for the surrounding area as a result of the need
for materials, transport, food, services and accommodation.
The DTRS project has a capital value of approximately $225 million and will generate over 100
jobs over the life of the project.
Control Measures
In addition to the control measures proposed in the noise, traffic and visual sections, other
control measures are outlined below.
Nearby residents and businesses will be informed about the nature and timing of works.
Signage will notify the public about the works.
Appropriate fencing around the site will help maintain public safety during construction and
operation.
4.13 Electromagnetic Energy (EME)
Existing Situation
Electromagnetic energy (EME) is the energy stored in an electromagnetic field. Radio frequency
EME refers to the EME generated by radio waves. EME is a factor of everyday life and is
emitted by natural sources such as the sun and earth and by man-made sources operating on
radio waves, e.g. TV and radio broadcasts, baby monitors, model planes, mobile phone base
stations and radio communication facilities.
The Australian Radiation Protections and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) have established
a radiation protection standard specifying limits for continuous exposure of the general public
and occupational workers to radio frequency emissions.
Potential Impacts
EME levels emitted by the new BTS have been estimated at 1.5 metres above ground level at
various distances from the proposed antennas and leaky feeder cables. It should be noted that
the actual EME levels will be significantly less than predicted due to path losses and that the
BTS automatically minimises transmitter power to serve only established phone calls. The
maximum cumulative EME level at 0-2 metres above the ground is estimated to be 0.048% of
the ARPANSA exposure limits. EME impacts are unlikely when the facility is operational. The
ARPANSA report is included at Appendix 4.
Control Measures
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