Suzanne Fenimore
Citizens to Preserve the Upper Snohomish River Valley was formed by a group of concerned people to oppose the antenna farm KRKO-AM wants to build south of Snohomish. The radio station first plans to build one lighted tower of 425 feet and three antennas of 199 feet, increasing their broadcast power from 5,000 watts to 50,000 watts. Phase II of their proposal includes plans to add four more antennas, providing public and private wireless communication facilities a place to co-locate.
CPUSRV has several concerns about this proposed industrial use of agricultural land. One major concern is the radio frequency interference that may impact electronic equipment such as computers, phones, cell phones, security systems, televisions and radios. There may also be a health hazard from the radio waves, especially to those living and working near the antennas. There have been many documented reports of problems in other areas with radio frequency interference. Many of these problems cannot be resolved satisfactorily.
Another concern is the towers’ impact on wildlife, especially threatened birds like bald eagles (there are two nests nearby) and other endangered species. There will also be an impact on migrating birds. According to Martha Jordan of the Trumpeter Swan Society, trumpeter and tundra swan numbers have increased in our area, though they are not on the increase generally. They have relocated here because of uncontrolled development in other areas. Recently at Shadow Lake in the Bob Heirman Wildlife Park, 475 swans were counted.
These swans fly at low levels over the proposed tower site, frequently to go to their feeding grounds. They can’t maneuver quickly, and the towers would present a danger to them, especially when they typically fly in predawn and after dusk hours, often in dense fog. The antenna farm will probably cause them to go elsewhere to roost and feed.
Recreational activities such as hot air ballooning and parachuting will be affected. At a recent community meeting, which drew approximately 180 people to Craven Farm in spite of a flooded road closure, Jay Woodward, owner of the Balloon Depot, said that balloons would have to fly 1,000 feet above the radio towers, making their descent pattern steeper and more dangerous. Mr. Woodward noted that this is really the only area left that is safe for ballooning.
Parachutists use the nearby field as a drop area, and the towers could present a danger to them should the winds direct them to the antenna site.
Naturally we’re concerned about our views and our property values. We choose to live here because of the peaceful and rural setting. Do we complain when farm equipment uses the road, or when the farmers spread manure on their fields? No. We expect that in this area. But we don’t want industrialization to spoil this beautiful river valley.
The towers, however, would affect many more than just the local residents. Many people come to our lovely valley as tourists to enjoy Lord Hill and Bob Heirman parks, to visit the pumpkin patch and other activities at Craven Farm, to cut their Christmas trees at Deb’s U-Cut Trees, to attend craft shows at Lord Hill Farms and to spend their money in the city of Snohomish. They come to enjoy the rural setting, not to see radio antennas.
Our area is already well-served by many radio stations for local news, weather, traffic and emergency reports.
A public hearing on this matter will start on Thursday in the Ginni Stevens Hearing Room, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett, at 1 p.m. Public testimony, both pro and con, is scheduled from about 2:20 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. If necessary, public testimony will continue on Friday starting at 9 a.m. The public may also submit letters to the Deputy Hearing Examiner, Peter Donahue, M/S 605, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201; reference File Number 00-107495.
CPUSRV encourages the public to make their concerns known.
Suzanne Fenimore of Snohomish is director of Citizens to Preserve the Upper Snohomish River Valley.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
