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This article, written by Alan Miller, a retired CA Regional Water Quality Control Board engineer, details concerns about the rollout of 5G wireless technology at Lake Tahoe, focusing on the environmental impact of disguised cell towers and the broader issue of plastic pollution. Miles, who offered to publish this on his site to find allies for Alan Miller in his fight, notes the scarcity of support for such local matters. The author argues that Lake Tahoe, a Jewel of the Sierras and Outstanding National Resource Water, is being contaminated not only by microplastics (MP) but also by electromagnetic smog from new wireless infrastructure.
The article traces the issue back to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) established in 1969 by California’s Governor Ronald Reagan and Nevada’s Governor Paul Laxalt for the “wise use” and “conservation” of the region’s resources. However, the author claims this agency has facilitated the rise of wireless telecommunications companies to serve the real estate and tourist industries, leading to continued declines in water quality despite significant public funds spent on restoration. Ronald Reagan’s signing of the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act in 1969 and the federal Clean Water Act in 1972 are mentioned, with the author suggesting the permit system, while intended to eliminate pollutants, can shield polluters from liability. This is connected to a larger strategy of global wireless expansion by militaries and telecoms for population-information control.
A group, including the author, is actively opposing the wireless rollout, initially due to concerns about industrial macrotowers, microwave exposure, property values, and increased forest fire dangers, especially after the Caldor Fire. A significant concern is the use of toxic plastic, specifically PVC, to camouflage towers as trees (“monopines”), which shed microplastic waste into the environment. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board has been petitioned to address these toxic plastic and MP emissions, and some action has been taken against California telecoms at Lake Tahoe.
This action is partly attributed to California Governor Newsom’s 2021 appointment of Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is investigating the “global plastics crisis.” The article highlights the pervasive nature of plastic pollution, the ineffectiveness of recycling as a solution, and the industry’s plans to expand plastic production. AG Bonta’s investigation into the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries is commended. The author also connects the wireless industry to the electronics industry, citing planned obsolescence and e-waste. Miles refers to this as a “slow walk” to a toxic planet, with the ultimate goal possibly being the destruction of all life through MP and microwaves.
The opposition’s strategy of attacking tower plastics may offer a new way to challenge wireless macrotowers and plastic pollution globally. Lake Tahoe’s TRPA is noted as being unique in not being preempted by FCC rules, though it is accused of colluding with telecoms and has been sued in a landmark case in the U.S. District Court in Sacramento. An Appeal against TRPA’s final approval of a tower in the City of South Lake Tahoe is pending.
In a guest column for the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Alan Miller reiterates that TRPA has repeatedly approved wireless towers that shed toxic PVC and MP waste, including lead. The “monopine macrotowers,” adorned with thousands of pounds of PVC plastic, degrade in the environment, releasing plastic litter that enters the soil, water, and food web as MPs. The author accuses TRPA of being in cahoots with the wireless telecom industry to blanket the basin with electromagnetic radiation, noting the refusal of U.S. government agencies to update outdated safety regulations. The article also raises concerns about the increased fire threat from these towers and the dangers of burning plastics.
Despite petitions with over 5,000 signatures against a proposed Verizon monopine at 1360 Ski Run Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, TRPA actions are seen as continuing to favor telecoms. A public hearing on an Appeal of Project plan revisions is scheduled for September 28, 2022. TRPA is accused of ignoring its own laws and regulations for Verizon, including permit application requirements and environmental review procedures. The author urges participation in this Appeal and highlights that TRPA’s actions are detrimental to everyone who values the environment.
The article further criticizes TRPA for its covert, conflicted alliance with telecoms, the Tahoe Prosperity Center, the City of South Lake Tahoe, various Counties, and other public agencies and private developers. TRPA’s actions are described as lawless and dangerous, with the demand for “NO MORE MONOPINES” and basinwide Environmental Impact Reports. Specific instances of alleged fraudulent approvals, such as for a Verizon tower near Sand Harbor in August, are cited.
Finally, the author contrasts TRPA’s public relations efforts, like the annual Lake Tahoe Summit, with its alleged secret plans to prevent public knowledge and participation in the wireless rollout. TRPA is accused of quashing opposition through misinformation, bureaucratic tactics, and conflicts of interest, while hiding behind the FCC. Senator Feinstein’s staff was contacted but took no action. TRPA is alleged to never enforce permit conditions after construction, leaving behind toxic waste sites. Alan Miller is a registered California civil/environmental engineer and retired CA Regional Water Quality Control Board employee, expressing his opinions as protected free speech. He can be reached at [[syngineer1@protonmail.com]].