May 08, 2006	Print  Close
Yellowstone Cell Tower Emits Excess Radiation OSHA says Yellow RF Caution signs must be installed at areas which were over the uncontrolled general population FCC RF limit at a Yellowstone park site. OSHA Finds Yellowstone Cell Tower Emits Excess Radiation Author: Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility Published on May 4, 2006, 09:05 The cell tower at Mount Washburn within Yellowstone National Park emits radio frequency radiation in excess of federal safety standards, according to agency documents released today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). In an email about plans to expand cell phone coverage in Yellowstone, the park safety officer warned his chain-of-command that "we are pushing the edge of safety up on Mt. Washburn." Located near the center of the park, Mt. Washburn is a popular hiking destination drawing an estimated 10,000 visitors a year. In addition, the cell tower is co-located with a fire lookout station. In a June 10, 2004 report, Brandon Gauthier, the safety officer for the park, described a survey conducted by a federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) official that found radio frequency (RF) radiation levels at Mt. Washburn in excess of the general population safety standard established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Gauthier recommended that warning signs be installed and that any "future installations of antennas on Mt. Washburn lookout must be closely evaluated to insure the safety of employees and visitors." Several months later, on March 22, 2005, Gauthier again cautioned about "the safety implications of antenna installations" in an email regarding an upcoming meeting with telecom industry officials to develop a plan to dramatically increase the level of cell and microwave communication coverage in the park. At that meeting, held on March 31, 2005, one park official attending the meeting wrote discussion notes about the need to address "safety issues (RF) & bring [the park] back into compliance." 06_4_5_washburn_rf_survey.pdf
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