If Baltimore Gas and Electric or any company wants to add radiation-emitting technology to communication towers in Carroll County, it might soon trigger a few extra steps.

This past week, BGE officials presented a proposal to the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission to add antennas and a microwave dish for an internal emergency communications network at an existing tower off Hollenberry Road, in Eldersburg.

The application drew concern from at least one member of the planning commission regarding potential radiation emissions, though BGE officials dismissed it as unfounded.

"This tower is not a health hazard," said BGE engineer Jeff Slack. "It's way below the FCC's established exposure limits to the public."

Slack presented a report that showed the proposed equipment does not pose a risk, and said the Federal Communications Commission places restrictions on how much radiation can be emitted from dishes.

But Commissioner Alec Yeo said he was concerned when Slack said the FCC doesn't take into account the compounding effects of additional equipment.

Yeo said he wants to make sure government agencies review potential health risks for added communication equipment, and that the reviews are actually completed.

Yeo asked a series of questions concerning the report and health issues, then paused in the conversation, and asked his fellow commissioners, "Why does it seem that I'm the only one concerned about the health standards for the people in the area?"

Commission member Wayne Schuster said he agreed with Yeo's concerns.

Deputy County Attorney Terri Jones said the county does not have any requirements concerning health effects of communication dishes and antennas.

Schuster proposed that the commission require communication companies to consult with county and state health departments about the effects of the tower as well as environmental health concerns such as noise produced by the on-site equipment.

Hollenberry Road resident Nicole Musgrave-Burdette raised health concerns in her testimony to the Department of Planning in December, and said information about what the waves can do should be made clear.

"There needs to be more information on safety studies and what the FCC requires," she said.

Attorney Jennifer Busse, who represents BGE, said she and her client will try to answer questions the residents might have.

"We'll continue to work with them to resolve their concerns," she said.

The commission decided that BGE will should come back with an updated plan.

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