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Under
certain circumstances, high-voltage transmission lines can
induce electrostatic voltage on objects. When an induced
voltage is present, touching the object can result in a
shock. The sensation from voltage induced by an alternating
power line is similar, but may continue to be felt as long
as contact with the object is maintained.
Several
years ago, Fauquier County had an episode of induced voltage
in the Lee’s Glen subdivision, just outside of Remington.
Upgrades to a power line induced voltage to gutters and
downspouts on homes up to 400 feet away. As noted by a
Dominion Virginia Power representative: “The induced voltage
on the gutters and down spouts of homes adjacent to the
transmission line is not unexpected due to the choice of
building materials used in these homes. The aluminum
gutters and downspouts pick up a charge from the electric
field created by the transmission line. The… vinyl siding
insulates the metallic gutters and down spouts from the
ground.” The purpose of this text amendment is to minimize
the potential for such problems.
The Planning
Commission held a public hearing on August 25, 2005, left
the hearing open, and deferred final action pending further
study. A work session on this issue was conducted on
September 27, 2005 with a Dominion Power engineer to help
the Planning Commission better understand the problem and
possible solutions. Enclosed are copies of the information
provided by Dominion Power’s engineer and Dominion Power’s
response to the Lee’s Glen incident and a map showing the
500 kV lines in the County.
On September
29, 2005, the Planning Commission held a second public
hearing and recommended approval of the attached ordinance
to the Board of Supervisors by a 4 – 1 vote. |