Dr Dariusz Leszczynski gives a great presentation of what 5G communications is and why we should be afraid.
See BCUC & Smart Meter Fires Report (July 2017): https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/)
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(Why doesn’t your MLA care about the threat smart meters pose to your life? Sharon Noble is Director of The Coalition to Stop Smart Meters BC Guest’s website: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/
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Direct fiber optic connections, G-Fast technology which connects fiber optic cables to existing copper wires, strategically placed low-EMF emitting public transmitters like those piloted in Paris, France – why are telecoms choosing to put the well-being of all of us, including wildlife and plants at risk, when safe options are available?
UBCM: Local Control over Pot but not Radiation?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Oona McOuat
250-537-2088
Give me a Minute & I’ll Give you News
SALT SPRING, September 25 – The big story out of the UBCM so far this week is the BC government’s announcement that they are seeking public and municipal input on the legalization of marijuana. But there is another burning issue on the conference agenda that deserves your attention – Resolution B100 on the lack of public and local government input on the placement of microcells within 100 meters of homes, schools, and hospitals.
Please take a minute to watch this easy to digest animated short on the vote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzUBK2AFyLI&feature=youtu.be
Follow the lead of California’s major media who recently made a similar statewide vote on small cell placement on their streets a major news story (http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/08/31/california-bill-to-ease-permits-for-cellular-antennas-could-impact-health/).
Grand Forks councillor Beverley Tripp will be giving a presentation on Resolution B100 and microcells at 9:30am on Tuesday at the UBCM’s Small Talk Forum.
Recognize that connectivity does not have to be primarily EMF-based and does not have to continue to escalate the amount of this scientifically deemed hazardous substance to which we are all exposed. (To see why over 180 European scientists and physicians have just announced they are opposed to mass microcell placement in preparation for 5G deployment click here (https://tinyurl.com/ycx5ngnx)
Direct fiber optic connections, G-Fast technology which connects fiber optic cables to existing copper wires, strategically placed low-EMF emitting public transmitters like those piloted in Paris, France (http://www.lexnet.fr/fileadmin/user/communication/LEXNET-Press_Release_1.pdf) – why are we permitting telecoms to choose to put the well being of all of us, including wildlife and plants at risk, when safe options are available?
For more facts click here: https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Microcell-Flyer-for-UBCM-revised.pdf
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Getting Buzzed in the Bedroom?
Municipalities Vote on Small Cells & the Right to Choose
SALT SPRING, September 16 – At the September 25-29 Union of BC Municipalities Convention in Vancouver, local governments will be voting on a resolution aimed at giving them a say in microcell placement in their communities.
Despite a substantial body of evidence (https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Over-60-Studies-from-2015-Apr.2016-Reporting-Bioeffects-below-Safety-Code-6-by-C4ST-Apr.18-2016.pdf) showing wireless technology is harmful to humans and the environment, Innovation Canada is allowing microcells to be placed on neighbourhood lampposts and utility poles, and yes – even by our bedrooms – without our consent or often knowledge.
Aesthetics, property value, industry control-for-profit over the public right of way, cyber-security, safety, health, and well-being – there are many reasons for local governments and all of us to be concerned about microcells.
The Resolution:
MOTION of Grand Forks City Council:
WHEREAS public consultation on the placement of cell towers is mandated; and
WHEREAS new technology is moving away from these large towers to microtransmitters which do not require local government or public consultation;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the AKBLG request the UBCM petition relevant provincial and federal governments to mandate consultation with the land use authorities and the public regarding microcell transmitter siting within 100 meters of residences, schools and hospitals.
What’s all the Fuss About? (And what’s a microcell?)
Microcells are small cellular transmitters that broadcast wireless radiation 24 -7. Anywhere from 3 to 10 of them are being placed on one residential street. Wireless radiation is linked to an increased risk of cancer, as well reproductive and neurological problems – like disturbed sleep. It is conservatively defined as a 2b carcinogen, which means it is in the same category as DDT.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind?
Industry is coming up with some sneaky ways of designing (http://www.fiercewireless.com/tech/american-tower-philips-lighting-team-up-to-hide-small-cells-inside-street-lights) – or is that hiding – small cell transmitters. But that doesn’t mean their effects will not be felt.
The wireless industry would like us to believe the jury’s still out on whether wireless radiation has harmful health impacts. But thousands of peer-reviewed studies show evidence of harm. Over 180 scientists and physicians just sent out a plea for a halt to the rollout of 5G transmitters in Europe (http://www.odwyerpr.com/story/public/9390/2017-09-13/scientists-35-countries-rap-proposed-calif-5g-radiation-rollout.html). To protect their health, California firefighters won an exemption from having small cells placed on their fire halls. It seems then, that the “smart” choice would be to adopt the precautionary principal for all, and not allow microcells to become permanent fixtures in our communities and our lives.
What’s the Game Plan?
The end game is no landlines and “smart” everything for all of us, and big bucks through data mining for the telecoms. Don’t be fooled into thinking these technologies are green. The “Cloud” is a huge energy guzzler, while tech production and waste is anything but eco-friendly.
There are safe ways of sharing high-speed data, like using wired fiber optic connections. New paradigms in non-harm inducing connectivity are waiting to be discovered, but industry must be urged by consumers and regulators to develop and promote them.
In the News
While concerns about the effects of wireless technologies and the need for more protective EMF exposure guidelines have made recent headlines in Brussels (http://www.odwyerpr.com/story/public/9390/2017-09-13/scientists-35-countries-rap-proposed-calif-5g-radiation-rollout.html), Massachusetts (https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/SD1462.Html), Paris, France (https://www.goodplanet.info/actualite/2017/03/02/paris-va-reduire-de-30-lexposition-aux-ondes-electromagnetiques/), Romania (https://ehtrust.org/recommendations-consumers-protection-association-romania-cell-phones-wireless/) and more, government and media here at home remain eerily silent on what may very well be the most pressing health issue of our time.
This summer, 300 California cities have voiced strong opposition to a California microcell placement bill, SB 649. This bill would essentially create the same situation there that we have here – telecoms being given free rein to use the public right of way for profit, disturbing the sanctity of our streets, and maybe even preventing us from getting that proverbial good night’s sleep.
Relevant EMF-Related Resources
A short fact sheet on microcells:
https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Microcell-Flyer-for-UBCM-revised.pdf
A fun, animated short on small cells:
https://spaces.hightail.com/receive/NMRaNaDjA8/fi-d58fa059-680d-42ab-afac-8c77118e62b9/fv-5cb41ae6-c3b2-4713-8509-391557bcd2cd/No%20On%20649!.mov
An article on small cells & local authority:
https://www.wired.com/2017/03/handcuffing-cities-to-help-telecom-giants/
An environmental perspective:
http://www.theecologist.org/News/news_analysis/2988266/wireless_pollution_out_of_control_as_corporate_race_for_5g_gears_up.html
A great overview of wireless technology and health:
http://manhattanneighbors.org/wireless-elephant/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Oona McOuat
PRESS RELEASE – for immediate release September 21, 2017
WHERE THERE’S SMOKE, THERE’S FIRE
BCUC fails to protect smart meter customers
The BC Utilities Commission Act says the prime reason the BC Utilities Commission exists is to ensure BC citizens receive safe and secure service. Section 25 of the Act reads:
If the commission, after a hearing held on its own motion or on complaint, finds that the service of a public utility is unreasonable, unsafe, inadequate or unreasonably discriminatory, the commission must (a) determine what is reasonable, safe, adequate and fair service, and (b) order the utility to provide it.http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96473_01 |
Sharon Noble, Director of Coalition To Stop Smart Meters, last week released a report based on three years of research into smart meter fires and failures. Noble charges that BCUC has failed to do its job. Even after BCUC received a formal complaint with evidence that public safety is being jeopardized, the Commission did nothing. BCUC neglected to order BC Hydro and FortisBC to provide “reasonable, safe, adequate and fair service”. The report asserts:
1) No agency is tracking fires;
2) Regulations and laws are being broken with impunity, e.g. meters are being removed from the fire scene, electrical inspections are not being done;
3) Reporting is haphazard at best;
4) The meter is combustible, poorly designed, with critical components uncertified by any agency to be safe;
5) BC Hydro did not perform its due diligence by having an independent electrical engineer inspect the meter for safety prior to signing the contract. Rather it accepted ITRON’s assurances;
6) Smart meters have burned, melted and caused homes to burn. BC Hydro and BCUC both deny this is happening.
Consumer Affairs recalls defective devices, such as cars and electrical appliances (https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/consumer-product-safety.html). Consumer Affairs has no jurisdiction to recall defective smart meters because the meters are owned by the utility company, not by any of the consumers who are required to use them. Noble observes, “Who is watching out for us, ensuring that these devices mandated by law and installed on our homes without our permission are safe? No one.”
– 30 –
Contact information for media only:
Sharon Noble
dsnoble@shaw.ca
Next page: Image Files, Background Files
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All the pdf files are large, therefore accessing the links will not be a quick download. Your patience is appreciated.
1. The Report (2 pdfs)
The Report http://tinyurl.com/SMFireReport
Appendix W http://tinyurl.com/AppendixWSpreadsheet
2. Research documentation (2 pdfs*)
Includes reports received from the Fire Commissioner, the Attorney General’s Office (JAG), the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (TRA), BC Safety Authority, BC Hydro, and victims.
The reports in these Volumes are in the same sequence as the summaries provided on the spreadsheet in Appendix W.
Volume I http://tinyurl.com/SuperReportDataVol-I
Volume II http://tinyurl.com/SuperReportDataVol-II
* The amount of documentation is extensive, therefore it is presented in two volumes:
Volume I holds reports for fires that occurred in municipality names beginning with A to M;
Volume II holds reports for municipality names beginning with N to W.
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REPORT CONTENT
Credit: Coalition to Stop Smart Meters
COVER OF THE REPORT
Credit: Coalition to Stop Smart Meters
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Fire Report – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bcuc-smart-meter-fires-the-failure-to-protect/ – for the complete report, spreadsheet, documentation, and addenda
BC Hydro Comments & Sharon Noble’s Response Back – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bc-hydro-response-to-bcuc-request-for-comment-on-ms-nobles-correspondence-re-smart-meter-fires-report-october-20-2017/
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The BC Utilities Commission’s prime reason for being, as stated in the BC Utilities Commission Act, is to ensure that the citizens of BC receive service that is safe and secure. Section 25 says:
If the commission, after a hearing held on its own motion or on complaint, finds that the service of a public utility is unreasonable, unsafe, inadequate or unreasonably discriminatory, the commission must
(a) determine what is reasonable, safe, adequate and fair service, and
(b) order the utility to provide it.
In July 2015 I lodged an official complaint with BCUC, charging that ITRON smart meters are not safe, have never been certified to be safe, and I provided 8 examples of fires and failures in BC that had put lives and property at risk. I asked for a formal investigation of this device and, if it was found to be unsafe, that a formal recall be made, with ITRON refunding all monies paid and charges incurred.
6 months later BCUC responded in a draft form, asking for me to respond, which I did. Included with my response were statements by Electrical Engineers who had inspected the smart meters and found them to have serious design flaws which cause them to be fire hazards. In addition I provided more evidence of fires in BC and elsewhere.
BCUC’s response was that my evidence was not “persuasive”, stating that they had been told, and were convinced, that the meters were safe based upon a report that had been commissioned and paid for by BC Hydro, a report that Len Garis wrote using one source only – the annual Fire Commissioner’s report. Nothing else. BCUC did not seek expert input from Electrical Engineers. Neither did they ask me for more information. Rather, they put the onus on me to prove them and Len Garis wrong.
This report does this, in spades. I now charge that BCUC has failed to do its job by ordering BC Hydro and FortisBC to provide “reasonable, safe, adequate and fair service” after having received a complaint with evidence that the public’s safety is being jeopardized.
I hope you will read the report and consider the following:
1) No agency is tracking fires;
2) Regulations and laws are being broken with impunity, e.g. meters are being removed from the fire scene, electrical inspections are not being done;
3) Reporting is haphazard at best;
4) The meter is combustible, poorly designed, and not certified by any agency to be safe;
5) BC Hydro did not perform its due diligence by having an independent Electrical Engineer inspect the meter prior to signing the contract. Rather, it accepted ITRON’s assurances;
6) Smart meters have burned, melted and caused homes to burn. BC Hydro and BCUC both deny this is happening.
None of these factors were taken into consideration by either Len Garis in his “report” or by BCUC in their rejection of my complaint.
Consumer Affairs recalls defective devices, e.g. cars, electrical appliances. But because a utility owns the smart meters, they are not considered consumer goods and Consumer Affairs has no jurisdiction. Who is watching out for us, ensuring that these devices that are being put on our homes without our permission, mandated by law, are safe? No one. This is in our hands and this report provides the means by which we can and must demand a recall.
The files are all large, so please be patient when downloading them – it will take time.
1) http://tinyurl.com/SMFireReport
2) http://tinyurl.com/AppendixWSpreadsheet
3) http://tinyurl.com/SuperReportDataVol-I – Supporting Documentation (cont’d) (N-W)
4) http://tinyurl.com/SuperReportDataVol-II – Supporting Documentation (A-M)
5) Addenda
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BC Hydro Comments & Sharon Noble’s Response Back – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/bc-hydro-response-to-bcuc-request-for-comment-on-ms-nobles-correspondence-re-smart-meter-fires-report-october-20-2017/
Press Release – https://stopsmartmetersbc.com/press-release-bcuc-smart-meter-fires-september-21-2017/
Here is an interesting article by Dr MERCOLA interviewing Dr MARTIN PALL.
See full interview on the Mercola website.