Evans Associates Sample Proposal and Expertise Summary

Radio Frequency Impact Studies`

Public Safety, Navigation, Broadcast and other FCC licensed Services

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SECTION 1: Radio Frequency, Microwave and Broadcast Path Study

1.1 Study Work Scope

Evans Associates will conduct path studies and RF analyses in order to determine the extent to which the construction of the proposed Wind Power Project could cause a significant disruption to the service areas of microwave, TV and other FCC licensed RF spectrum users in the designated area. The study will be conducted using industry and FCC standard procedures and equipment, and a final report will be submitted outlining expected effects, alternatives, mitigation procedures and recommendations. Evans Associates will conduct studies including any or all of the following:

1.1.1 BROADCAST STUDY (Television and Radio)

Evans Associates will conduct a Tabletop Signal Strength Study to determine if the addition of the turbines will degrade the signal reception of nearby television and broadcast FM signals that are significantly viewed in the area. AM broadcast facilities for which pattern disruption could be caused will also be investigated. This study will investigate both time-varying signal strength anomalies and multipath receptions for omnidirectional and directional receive antennas. The study will tabulate “before” and “after” measurements along with a complete evaluation report. Theoretical impact analysis, mitigation measures, and recommendations will be discussed in the report. “Blackout” areas will be identified within the parcel(s) of interest, and calculations will be undertaken with respect to the preferred siting locations. If adverse impact is predicted, options for changes in the broadcast facility will be investigated, and/or options for changes to the wind turbine structure will be presented. If such changes are not feasible, options for re-siting the windmills will be presented.

OPTIONAL: On-site measurements with a spectrum analyzer and field meter consisting of the following components:

TASK 1: Pre-construction field intensity measurements

TASK 2: Tabulation of pre-construction readings and existing reception quality; readings taken to “bracket” the notification area, and at the residences of persons as required by the local authorities.

TASK 3: Post-construction field intensity measurements, along with conformance to success criteria with respect to the mitigation measures.

TASK 4: Tabulation of all readings, analysis and final broadcast report.

TASK 5: Recommendations for the mitigation solution for individual concerned residents not otherwise identified in the above steps.

1.1.2 MICROWAVE STUDY

After determining the coordinate block for the study, Evans would perform the following tasks:

1. Identify frequency paths within the block and determine Fresnel protection areas

2. Identify licensees that may be impacted by the project (nominally 2 miles)

3. Analyze the effect of aperture blockage for the proposed turbine positioning for EACH path; recommend changes if necessary

4. Analyze the effect of multipath reception for each frequency

5. Describe any required mitigation measures, including but not limited to: centerline changes, antenna gain, beamwidth changes, or frequency changes

6. Prepare microwave conclusion and mitigation report

1.1.3 PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO, CELLULAR, FAA & 2-WAY SYSTEMS

Evans will identify transmitters and receivers in the impact area associated with public safety and other pertinent FCC databases. Possible multipath and aperture blockage will be investigated, along with associated mitigation measures.

1.1.4 TRANSMISSION LINE Tabletop Study

Evaluate new and upgraded electric transmission line route for RF impact to TV broadcast, AM broadcast, FM broadcast, microwave and land mobile facilities. Provide complete report.

(A description of services to be provided under the requested contract including individual tasks or work activities to be performed. The work breakdown by task or work activity should be at the level at which the contractor’s performance will be monitored by TVA, consistent with the Chief Operating Officer’s contractor utilization philosophy, prudent project management practices, and the importance of the work relative to established organizational goals.)

1.2 Deliverables

Evans Associates will provide the clinet with a complete report and exhibits showing the analysis, results and conclusions. During the course of the study, some licensees may be contacted to determine if their existing facilities are in compliance with FCC Rules and their instruments of authorization. The final report will not be distributed to any other parties without the client’s permission.

1.3 Schedule

Evans Associates will complete the microwave study, the broadcast study, and the land mobile (2 way) study within four weeks of receipt of a signed Purchase Order, baring unforeseen impediments such as an unresolved or inconsistent entry in the FCC’s database that requires further investigation. Each study tabulated above is a stand-alone module. Any one or combination of studies may be ordered.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ralph E. Evans

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SECTION 2: Present and Previous Wind Turbine Project Experience

The following are a few examples of Evans’ project experience:

Tennessee Valley Authority

Evans is presently conducting a radio frequency path study and engineering analysis to determine the extent of RF anomalies that may be caused to nearby RF spectrum users as a result of the construction of a windmill farm at Buffalo Mountain, Tennessee. The windmills are to be constructed by Invenergy. The study investigated possible disruption with respect to directional microwave links serving the area, as well as to transmitters and receivers employing omnidirectional antennas. Recommended re-siting and mitigation measures are currently being evaluated.

enXco, Inc.

Project #1: Evans Associates conducted a TV Signal Strength Study to determine if the addition of an enXco wind farm between Pipestone and Lake Wilson, Minnesota, would degrade the signal reception of all television signals that are significantly viewed in the area. The study tabulated “before” and “after” measurements along with a multi-path evaluation. The study encompassed the following tasks:

§ Pre-construction field intensity measurements.

§ Tabulation of pre-construction readings, analysis and initial report.

§ Post-construction field intensity measurements.

§ Tabulation of all readings, analysis and final report.

§ Recommendations for the solution to individual concerned residents

Project #2: Evans conducted a microwave path study and analysis to determine whether or not the construction of a windmill farm by enXco Energy Services near Chandler, Minnesota could cause significant disruption with respect to microwave links serving the area.

Project #3: Evans is presently conducting a microwave path study and analysis to determine whether or not the construction of a windmill farm by enXco Energy Services near Shiloh, California could cause significant disruption with respect to microwave links serving the area.

Kewaunee County Wind Turbine Project - Madison Gas & Electric

Evans Associates assisted Madison Gas & Electric and Wisconsin Public Service in testing windmills in the Kewaunee County area for interference to radio and television stations. Evans Associates two-man crew took measurements on radio frequency readings made at each identified residence on a given notification list. A final report was prepared that summarized the findings.

Entergy Systems, Inc.

Evans Associates was retained by Entergy Systems, Inc. to determine the extent to which the construction of an electric transmission substation would disrupt the operations of nearby AM station KALO, Port Arthur, TX. Two alternative electric line routes were studied, and the estimated cost of possible mitigation procedures was tabulated. An engineering exhibit was prepared to compare alternative routes and make recommendations.

Missouri River Energy Systems

Evans Associates conducted a field study and analysis to determine whether or not the construction of a windmill farm by Missouri River Energy Services near AM station KWOA in Worthington, Minnesota has caused significant distortion to the station’s omnidirectional radiation pattern.

SECTION 3: Summary of Evans’ RF Engineering Expertise

3.1 TV Engineering

1) Conduct path studies.

2) Prepare applications for construction permit and license for new or improved TV facilities. Planning Assistance for migration to Digital Television

2) Prepare petitions for new assignments of TV channels, or applications to add DTV.

3) Design TV transmitter tower/antenna systems, design combined transmission systems, and calculate terrain shadowing for use in comparative service studies.

4) Conduct feasibility studies for transmitter relocation and/or upgrade of existing TV facilities.

5) Prepare maps showing geographical area within which a TV station can relocate according to FCC Rules.

6) Conduct field measurements of VHF and UHF field strength to confirm antenna performance, and identify terrain anomalies.

7) Calculate and measure levels of radio frequency density to determine the extent of biological radiation hazard.

3.2 AM Engineering

1) Facility planning, applications, and licenses for new or changed AM facilities - 500 KHz to 1750 KHz (expanded AM Band).

2) Design and installation of detuning systems for towers near AM station antennas.

3) Design of AM directional antenna systems, and redesign of existing arrays to enhance stability and improve coverage.

4) Supervise plant construction and conduct proofs of performance to update conductivities, and respond to FCC citations.

5) Design phasing systems for high efficiency and broadband stereo.

6) Conduct feasibility studies for transmitter relocation and/or power increase to better enable AMs to serve their expanding markets.

7) Design synchronous transmitter and satellite transmitter systems.

8) Prepare applications to augment directional patterns to fill in null areas.

9) Increase radiation for non-directional AM stations.

10) Design multi-station AM combiners.

11) Calculate and measure levels of radio frequency density to determine the extent of biological radiation hazard.

3.3 FM Engineering

1) Prepare applications for construction permit and license for new or upgraded FM facilities, both commercial and educational. Prepare applications for translators, boosters, and "satellators".

2) Prepare petitions for new FM assignments to under-served cities and towns.

3) Design master FM antenna combined systems.

4) Conduct feasibility studies for transmitter relocation and/or upgrade of existing FM facilities in order to improve service.

5) Prepare site maps showing geographical area within which an FM station can relocate its transmitting facility, according to FCC Rules.

6) Conduct measurements of FM field strength to confirm antenna performance, and identify terrain obstructions.

7) Appear as expert witness at Zoning Hearings and FCC proceedings.

8) Calculate and measure levels of radio frequency density to determine the extent of biological radiation hazard.

SECTION 4: Summary of Technical Experience

Evans Associates is a full service Consulting Telecommunications Engineering firm employing four senior engineers, two junior engineers, two software designers, and an office support staff. The laboratory, computer center, and office are located in Thiensville, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee. This central location allows us to speedily serve our clients from Washington DC, to Sacramento, California from Mitchell International Airport.

Our clients have nearly immediate access to our field technicians, as well as our specialized and sophisticated test equipment used to measure field strength, detect faults in data lines, cable, and transmission lines, and to conduct spectrum analysis from 0.1 Mhz to 40 GHz.

The expertise of this company extends to engineering of all types of telecommunication facilities: broadcast, common carrier, microwave, integrated data networks, light fiber transportation systems, and wide area feasibility studies for the transportation of video, voice and data.

4.1 An Independent Company With the Highest Ethics

Evans Associates is a fully independent engineering company, offering service on a fee basis only. No commissions of any type are accepted from manufacturers, nor are contingent fees utilized. None of our principals owns any interest in any telecommunications facility, nor will we accept assignments known to be mutually exclusive, so there is never any danger of conflict of interest. We have established a sound business dialogue with all equipment suppliers, but have incurred no obligations to any of them. We also have very good relationships with both the FCC staff in Washington, and the various field operations bureaus.

Evans Associates devotes its full time to the interests of our clients; our high ethical standards, immediate response, and good working relationships are frequently mentioned as the key to the success of our "hands on" approach.

4.2 A Complete Spectrum of System Design, Application & Field Services

Each of the principals of Evans Associates, Ralph E. Evans Sr., Ralph E. Evans III, and Ben Evans has received a full measure of experience in ALL aspects of telecommunications engineering. Theoretical design work is followed up by on-site supervision, tune-up, and proof of performance by senior and staff engineers.

Frequently, supervisory authority for a project is vested entirely with Evans Associates; for instance, TeleCuracao was supervised completely by Ralph Evans, from the design of the TV antenna to the installation of the locks on the doors. Similarly, the first U.S. Government-funded county-wide rural CATV system was designed and built by Evans Associates in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin. Evans Associates is capable of performing complete communications system design, covering the entire spectrum of interleaving specialties required in the realization of today's complex communication systems. For example, microwave backbone systems are frequently combined with light fiber transportation and omnidirectional ITFS or LPTV to provide a complete data service/video network.

Evans Associates has extensive experience in conducting technical feasibility studies, facility design, inspection and performance evaluation of broadcast CATV systems, and video/data/voice facilities.

Unique computer programs are employed to predict performance and measure compliance of the facilities we design. We utilize a portable computer with a modem link to our office to provide database access, and on-line feedback of field parameters. This technique has been used to successfully resolve complaints of spurious emissions caused by mixing of several FM signals at Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, to tune up a difficult 6-tower AM antenna plagued by re-radiation in San Diego, and to find a cable fault in a 100 node data network in Milwaukee.

4.3 History

Evans Associates was founded in 1968. Our firm is a member of the AFCCE, an organization of communications consultants who are professional engineers. The senior principal in the firm is Ralph E. Evans Sr., who is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin. Prior to 1968, Ralph Sr. was Vice President in Charge of Engineering for the Bartell Broadcasting Corporation. The experience he obtained in the years from 1943 to 1968 while working for Bartell included RF and studio designing, preparing FCC applications, and construction supervision for numerous AM, FM, CATV and TV broadcast facilities from coast to coast. Included among these facilities are AM and FM broadcast stations in 15 states, television stations in Madison, Milwaukee, Haiti, Curacao, and Aruba (West Indies), and cable TV systems in Plattsburgh, NY, and Waterville, ME. On numerous occasions, he has worked closely with both domestic and foreign governments in order to expedite the construction of broadcast stations, and to provide technical information from which public agencies could make regulatory decisions.

In partnership with Ralph Sr. is Ralph Jr., who, as was his father, was trained at the University of Wisconsin. Have majored in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, he is the consultant for several nationwide broadcast multiple-system operators. He has provided technical evaluations to numerous city, state, and county governments with respect to telephone switching systems, microwave and light fiber backbone systems, and data network facilities. He has pioneered the use of interactive computer programming as applied to plant engineering, and has developed several initiatives, which eventually became FCC Regulations and Standards of Good Engineering Practice. He was part of the negotiating team, which laid the preliminary groundwork for the U.S./Canadian Broadcasting Agreement, and is completely comfortable with the political side of engineering.

Evans Associates maintains a completely equipped electronics laboratory and communications technology library, as well as a stock of frequently used components. This equipment ranges from state-of-the-art Time Domain equipment, and Tektronix 7L13 and 7L18 Spectrum Analyzers, to extensive two-way equipment and Potomac Instruments FIM field meters for AM, FM, VHF and UHF. Office engineering is conducted with an interactive Hewlett-Packard Unix based computer. Programs are written in-house, and customized for our applications.

Recent projects include a statewide instructional microwave system for the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board; FM group study for the multi-station combined antenna on the Hancock Building in Chicago, Illinois; TV antenna optimization studies for stations in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Milwaukee; and statewide video/voice/data networks for Wisconsin and Indiana.

References available upon request.