Statement by William Collinge to the Eugene City Council, 10/13/14 <br />My name is William Collinge. I live in South Eugene, Ward 2, and I'm here to <br />oppose the idea of an 8-story cell tower there. I walk by the proposed site nearly <br />every day. I have seen the proposed artificial tree elsewhere, and cannot imagine it <br />being anything but a terrible eyesore in this beautiful environment. I also have a <br />masters in public health and PhD from UC Berkeley, I conduct research sponsored <br />by the National Institutes of Health, and I'm familiar with the scientific literature <br />on health effects of exposure to EMF radiation for children, the elderly and <br />families. <br />I know the Telecommunications Act of 1996 discouraged opposing cell <br />towers based on health concerns. However, over the 18 years since then, <br />overwhelming evidence of adverse effects has'accumulated and we are <br />frankly IRRESPONSIBLE to ignore it. In ADVANCED countries with <br />LONGER HISTORY of cell networks, science infonns policy, and governments <br />permit only a TINY FRACTION of the EMF exposure allowed in the US. . <br />A year ago, based on a review of the evidence by a team of Eugene physicians, led <br />by Dr. Paul Dart, the EWEB Commission voted UNANIMOUSLY that residents <br />should have a CHOICE whether or not they want EMF-based "smart meters" in <br />their homes. I can't say whether the Commissioners understood or agreed with the <br />science, but they DID agree that RESIDENTS SHOULD HAVE A CHOICE. <br />Obviously the level of radiation coming from an EWEB "smart meter" PALES in <br />comparison to what comes out of a CELL TOWER. Families nearby would have <br />NO choice about FAR GREATER exposure to electromagnetic radiation- <br />whether or not they believe it could hann their health. <br />The Lane County Commissioners were RIGHT to require a 1200 FOOT <br />SETBACK from homes and schools for new cell towers, and the city should do <br />the same. Eugene has a well-earned reputation as being environmentally <br />conscious, and preserving livability. I believe this council has a responsibility to <br />preserve the character and health of our neighborhoods rather than sacrifice them <br />for private profit. <br />William Collinge, PhD <br />3480 Kincaid Street <br />Eugene, OR 97405 <br />(541)632-3502 <br />