Review of Environmental Factors - Transport for NSW - NSW ...

• Nearby residents and businesses will be informed about the nature and timing of works.• If any out of hours works is required, surrounding receivers will be notified at least five days in advance.• Signage will notify the public about the works.• Appropriate fencing around the site will help maintain public safety during construction and during operation.4.13 Electromagnetic Energy (EME)Existing SituationElectromagnetic energy (EME) is the energy stored in an electromagnetic field. Radiofrequency EME refers tothe EME generated by radio waves. EME is a factor of everyday life and is emitted by natural sources such asthe sun and earth, and by man-made sources operating on radio waves (e.g. TV and radio broadcasts), babymonitors, model planes, mobile phone base stations and radio communications facilities.The Australian Radiation Protections and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) has established a radiationprotection standard specifying limits for continuous exposure of the general public and occupational workers toradio frequency emissions.Potential ImpactsEME levels emitted by the new BTS have been estimated at 1.5 metres above ground level at various distancesfrom the proposed antennas. It should be noted that the actual EME levels will be significantly less thanpredicted due to path losses and that the BTS automatically minimises transmitter power to only serveestablished phone calls. The maximum cumulative EME level at 1.5 metres above the ground is estimated to be0.078% of the ARPANSA exposure limits. EME impacts are unlikely when the facility is operational. TheARPANSA report is included at Appendix 4.Possible Control MeasuresThe various elements will be located in areas that are not accessible by the public. However, the followingcontrol measures are also recommended to minimise and health and safety risks.• Appropriate signage will be placed around the site to warn people of the potential hazards.• All people required to work around occupationally hazardous radio frequencies will undergo RadHaztraining.4.14 Traffic and AccessExisting SituationAccess to the proposed site will be via a dirt track off Montague Street through an existing RailCorp accessgate, five metres from the site. The land is suitable for vehicle use during the construction period and there is noneed to develop a new access track or road. It is estimated that RailCorp staff and contractors use the gate andaccess track around 14-20 times a year.Page 45 of 67