megawatt-year for the SPS system (Ref. 2.8.5). This normalized comparison is also incomplete since it does not distinguish the potential for locally severe problems caused by heavy loading of streams and aquifers. In essence, the surrogate comparisons cannot be made with the information currently available, and the basis upon which a comparison is to be made has yet to be defined. To summarize the preliminary assessment of effects from conventional processes the following points can be made: (1) The data available reflect an earlier SPS configuration and are useful only for addressing the scope of the potential problems. (2) The impact-generating conditions (i e., air pollution generation, water pollution generation, etc.) have been quantified in a rough form. The process by which these conditions are computed needs to be evaluated and the data reviewed for accuracy. (3) The impact-generating conditions have not been translated into public health and safety effects. (4) The basis upon which the effects are to be compared to either U.S. total conditions or to alternative system conditions has not been established. Considering these conditions, it can be said that the data upon which to base an assessment of public health and safety effects are reasonably good, but the analyses done to date are incomplete and do not reflect the latest system designs. It can be stated tentatively that the available analyses indicate that the SPS system will have a measurable impact on air pollution, water pollution, water resources, solid waste, and land requirements. The public health and safety effects associated with these impacts appear to be non-negligible. The research program outlined in Appendix 2A is designed to provide the analysis needed to establish the extent of the effects. 2.6.1.2 Unconventional Effects on Public Health and Safety The unconventional effects on public health and safety result from the exposure to toxic materials from mining, manufacturing, and transport; the potential accidental injury and/or fatality from the transport of highly explosive materials (e.g., rocket propellants); all of the launch and recovery activities; and exposure to high intensity electromagnetic fields (other than microwaves) at the rectenna site.
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