ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS ASSESSMENT
FACT SHEET – JUNE 2010
About the Study
An Electric and Magnetic Fields Assessment was conducted as part of the Application for an Environmental Assessment
Certificate (EAC) for the Evergreen Line Project. The objective of the assessment was to review electric and magnetic fields
(EMF) generated by the existing SkyTrain system, Canada Line and other electric transportation systems in order to assess
the amount of EMF that will be produced by the Evergreen Line Project.
Electric and magnetic fields are invisible lines of force surrounding any conductors or wires that carry electricity and are
found everywhere electricity is used. All electrical equipment, including home appliances and transportation equipment,
produces EMF. Electric fields are measured in volts per metre (V/m) or kilovolts per metre (kV/m) while magnetic fields
are measured in milligauss (mG).
KEY FINDINGS
•The predicted electric field emissions for the
Evergreen Line will be below established
international guidelines.
•The extremely low frequency electric fields
will likely be insignificant when compared to
common residential electrical distribution,
which typically has electrical field levels of
between a few volts per metre to 200 kV/m.
•Electric fields are easily weakened by most
WHAT WE ARE DOING
•The Evergreen Line Project will ensure
the control and monitoring of stray currents
and Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in
advance of commencement of the Evergreen
Line operation.
•Any radio interference complaints received
that can be traced to EMF during operations
will be resolved with the assistance of
Industry Canada.
common materials, especially conductive
materials.
•The predicted magnetic field emissions for
the Evergreen Line will be below established
international guidelines, with the possible
exception of maximum fields at some locations
in the vehicles and on station platforms.
•Average power magnetic fields in the Evergreen
Line vehicles will be in the range of 10 mG.
Magnetic fields within approximately 30
centimetres of common household appliances
range between 1 and 150 mG.
•The EMF from Evergreen substation equipment
will be indistinguishable beyond the substation
fence or wall.
www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca
FA CT SHEET
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS ASSESSMENT
EV ERG REEN LI NE
FACT SHEET
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS ASSESSMENT
FACT SHEET – JUNE 2010
More Electric and Magnetic Fields ASSESSMENT Information
The detailed Electric and Magnetic Fields Assessment is presented in Section 14 of the EAC Application, with key findings
summarized in Section 23: Summary of Project Impacts, Mitigation Measures and Potential Residual Effects.
EV ERG REEN LI NE
FACT SHEET
Section 24 contains the Evergreen Line Project Commitments, Responsibilities and Assurances table.
EA Studies
About the Evergreen Line Rapid Transit Project
The Evergreen Line Rapid Transit Project is a new, approximately 11-kilometre-long advanced light rapid transit (ALRT) line
that will connect Coquitlam to Vancouver via Port Moody and Burnaby. The Evergreen Line will provide fast, frequent and
convenient SkyTrain service from Coquitlam City Centre through Port Moody to Lougheed Town Centre in a trip time of
approximately 13 minutes. The new rapid transit line will connect without transfer to the current SkyTrain system at Lougheed
Town Centre Station and integrate with the regional bus network and West Coast Express commuter rail service.
HOW TO FIND OUT MORE
EVERGREEN LINE RAPID TRANSIT PROJECT
The Application for Environmental Assessment Certificate,
including all of the assessment studies, is under review by
regulatory agencies and is currently available for public review
and comment. To view an electronic copy of the Application
and information on the Environmental Assessment process,
go to the Environmental Assessment Office website at
www.eao.gov.bc.ca. Paper copies of the application are
available at Burnaby, Coquitlam and Port Moody city halls.
For more information, please visit the Evergreen Line Project’s
website at www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca.
If you have any comments or questions about the Evergreen
Line or the studies, please contact us at:
Web: www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca
Email: info@evergreenline.gov.bc.ca
Tel:
604-927-4452 Fax: 604-927-4453
Mail: 2900 Barnet Highway, Coquitlam, BC V3B 0G1
www.evergreenline.gov.bc.ca
FA CT SHEET
The Environmental Assessment (EA) process includes a thorough review of potential project-related impacts. The Ministry
of Transportation and Infrastructure has engaged environmental specialists to conduct a number of detailed studies. The
purpose of these studies is to ensure that the Ministry has thorough information to develop and implement appropriate
measures to avoid or minimize impacts.