To the editor:

We moved to Pine Island full-time to enjoy the rural setting, old Florida culture, abundant wildlife and natural beauty of the island. We also sought to escape the rapidly growing exposure to microwave transmissions in more urban settings. We see those benefits deteriorating with the erection of the proposed Doppler radar tower.

We are strongly opposed to the Doppler tower for the following reasons:

1. Health concerns: This tower has a MILLION watts of power which is far in excess of any cell phone tower, operates 365/24/7, radiates 360 degrees for 125 miles with continuous wave technology. The 2007 U.S. BioInitiative Report (updated in 2012), which is the most comprehensive scientific research on the biological effects of non-ionizing radiation, has determined that electromagnetic fields are linked to cancers, neurological problems and DNA damage.

2. Inconsistent character of commercial development: This project does not fit the coastal, rural character consistently called for in the Lee County Plan.

3. Variance enforcement: The sense of entitlement in seeking to be the sole recipient of a height variance, while benefiting from the historical and presumed future enforcement of the 45 feet height limitation on others is elitist and grossly inappropriate.

4. Other sites: We do not believe that the very marginal extra coverage of the proposed Pine Island site vs. alternative mainland sites provides sufficient improved public safety benefits to put at risk the health of island residents or impose the cultural dissonance of the tower on us.

5. Weather wars: It appears that Pine Island is becoming a pawn in the WINK/NBC2 weather wars. 

6. Importance of more accurate/timely weather forecasts: If residents choose to evacuate before a hurricane, they leave well in advance (days) of projected landfall, as advised by local authorities.

7. Environmental Impact Statement: The specific absorption rate of radio frequency fields in tissues at standard distances from the tower and all other relevant wildlife environmental impacts have not been disclosed.

Jeffrey & Lisa Waller

Bokeelia