Meeting set for tower talk

The time and date of 6 p.m., Monday, October 7 has been set for the anticipated public meeting to discuss further a variance for a communication tower requested by Horizon Communications. This meeting is hosted by Pine Haven's planning and zoning board.

The tower would be installed on private property, but the ordinance of the town does not allow this type of device to be raised on other than town-owned land for reasons of aesthetics and safety. Horizon Communications, the company that has been searching for an appropriate area for the build, must receive said approval before moving forward.

All Pine Haven residents who have a vested interest in this matter are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts, questions and concerns to aid the council in the decision they will make in behalf of the town.

Questions brought up at the first gathering regarding the question of a tower included the safety of residents from the radiation that emanates from this type of base station.

There are, in fact, two types of radiation: ionizing and non-ionizing. These towers, as well as the microwave in the kitchen and the powerlines above everyone's' heads, emit radiofrequency (RF) nonionizing radiation.

Everyone on earth is exposed to RF radiation, whether by natural sources like the sun and lightning strikes or manmade like cordless phones, radar, Bluetooth devices and communication towers. At high levels, this type of radiation can heat the body, but this is not the level at which these towers are operated.

The American Cancer Society explains the danger comes from ionizing radiation, which comes from x-rays, ultraviolet (UV) and gamma rays, saying, in part, "They have enough energy to remove an electron from an atom. This can damage the DNA (genes) inside of cells, which can sometimes lead to cancer."

On the other side of the issue is the need of better cell phone service for first responders in the field and those who find themselves in trouble on or around the reservoir.

Whatever side of the discussion residents find themselves on, all are asked to attend, email or write in their opinion.