Objecting To Cell Tower
More residents have added their voices to that of Elize Abdinor who is objecting to the proposed erection of a cell phone tower in Plantation Road.
George Herald reported last week that residents in Glenbarrie, Heatherlands and Camphersdrift were concerned about the health risk that would be posed by the proposed cell tower in their midst, the visual impact it may have and the subsequent effect it would have on the value of surrounding properties.
The Vodacom cell phone company lodged an application for a cell tower on erf 179 with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Planning, the authority that has to give approval.
Yakeen Atwaru, a spokesperson for Environmental Affairs said that the application would be submitted to a full environmental impact assessment (EIA) process.
"The aspects that are taken into account for EIA applications are wide ranging and are usually dependent on the activity proposed, as well as the sensitivity of the receiving environment. For cell phone mast applications, typically visual and health are issues that are raised as part of the EIA process. In terms of visual, it is usually good practice to explore mast sharing or make use of existing tall buildings to erect antennae before considering the erection of masts, in order to mitigate visual issues."
With regard to health issues, Atwaru said: "The current literature has shown that cell phone masts emit radiation that are at
levels far below that which has been identified by the Department of Health as a cause for concern. Until we have conclusive proof that cell phone masts do indeed cause detrimental impacts on humans, we must take cognisance of the Department of Health's (who are the authority on this matter) stance on this matter as fact."
Reacting to a resident’s suggestion that the three existing towers in nearby residential areas were adequate for sufficient cell phone reception for all cell companies, Atawaru said it was a point that would be explored. "We do in fact insist on the consideration of feasible alternatives which are a requirement of the EIA process."
Vodacom was approached for comment with regard to the fears of residents who live in the vicinity of the proposed cell tower.
Dot Field, chief communications officer explained that there were a large number of clients in the suburbs concerned who were complaining that they could not get 3G coverage. The alternative to a new mast in the suburbs would be to install the equipment required for 3G coverage onto the Outeniqua tower on the mountain, but this was not viable as it would cause interference with signals.
Field also issued the following statement on behalf of Vodacom:
Cell phones can only work with a network of base stations with masts in place where people want to use their phones. Therefore, the rollout of the Vodacom cellular network is based on customer needs and base station sites are deployed to enhance service delivery to customers.
All cell phone companies have to do an environmental impact assessment before base stations may be erected.
Demographic studies and research, as well as analysis of network performance, is conducted to determine the next appropriate location to provide coverage to an area. (Customer requests form part of this research.)
Base station coverage
Each base station provides coverage for a specific area, ranging from a few tens of kilometres radius in open country to less than 100 metres in built-up areas or inside buildings. The number of simultaneous calls that a base station can handle is limited, so areas of high usage, for instance residential areas within metropolitan areas, require a greater density of base stations. The network needs a site that is easily accessible for maintenance and has access to energy to power the station.
Community concerns
All cell phone companies have to comply with local planning regulations, as well as do an environmental impact assessment (EIA) before base stations may be erected. The procedures that they have to follow are as follows:
The company identifies where they want to erect a base station and negotiate with the property / land owners and then it has to put up a notice in the area where the base station is to be built. Residents then have 30 days to object to the building of the base station and, if there are any objections, the company then has to hold a public hearing to discuss concerns. Should the concerns not be sorted out at such a meeting, the matter is referred to the provincial department.
Based on current scientific review the conclusion drawn by scientists around the world is that there are no known adverse health effects for adults and children provided that the RF exposure is below recommended levels set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Cell phones and base stations are designed and operate so that people are not exposed above these guideline levels.
International standards-setting organisations such as the ICNIRP, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and government agencies are continuously monitoring the latest scientific findings to determine whether changes in safety limits are needed to protect human health.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Vodacom takes the safety of the people and the environment in which it operates very seriously and always acts within the required internationally accepted safety practices and national regulations when setting up base stations.
by ALIDA DE BEER
