ELF Communications System Ecological Monitoring Program

The U.S. Navy has completed a program that monitored biota and ecological relationships for possible effects from exposure to electromagnetic EM fields produced by its Extremely Low Frequency ELF Communications System. Physiological, developmental, and ecological variables for abundant biota in upland, wetland, and riverine habitats near the ELF System were monitored from 1982 and 1993. Research teams from several universities measured biological and ecological variables at about the same time at treatment and control sites, before and after the transmitting facilities became fully operational. Spatial and temporal comparisons were made using analysis of variance and intervention statistical techniques. The response of variables to natural environmental and site factors were addressed in most analyses. Data collection for studies located near the Naval Radio Transmitting Facility NRTF-Clam Lake, Wisconsin, was completed, as scheduled, during 1989. Investigators concluded that there were no effects from intermittent or full operation of the transmitter. Data collection for studies near the NRTF-Republic, Michigan, were completed during 1993. There were no unequivocal effects on the variables monitored in Michigan. A few minor changes may have occurred however, their implication is not indicative of adverse ecological significance.