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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems 1970 ENVIRONMENTAL CRITERIA FOR ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Goverment Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 - Price 65 cents “...we in this century have too casually and too long abused our natural environment. The time has come when we can ' wait no longer to repair the damage already done, and to establish new criteria to guide us in the future.” RICHARD NIXON Message on Environment February 10, 1970 In his Message on Environment on February 10, 1970, President Nixon stated that “The task of cleaning up our environment calls for total mobilization by all of us. It involves Government at every level; it requires the help of every citizen.” The issuance of Environmental Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems represents a step that can be taken now to help restore harmony between man and his surroundings. This publication is intended to serve as a guide to the . planning and accommodation of needed electric transmission systems. All agencies in the Department of the Interior and in the Department of Agriculture have been directed to use the criteria. We urge all governmental agencies, the electric utility industry and private organizations to adopt the criteria in an effort to assure adequate environmental planning. A common reference document will enable all affected interests to more intelligently review and discuss the environmental aspects of electric transmission systems. (cht Yae yea Hodes Walter J. Hickel Clifford M. Hardin Secretary of the Interior Secretary of Agriculture Pag Foreword i Introduction Coordination x I. Transmission Lines A. General Comments B. _ Selection of a Proposed Route or Corridor Ls C. Design 10 D. Clearing 1 CONTENTS E. Construction 1 F. Cleanup and Restoration 22 G. Maintenance 25 II. Switchyards and Substations A. General Comments 3. B. Location 32) C. Design 3 —. Refer to ID through IG, above, for Clearing, Construction, Cleanup and Restoration, and Maintenance III. Microwave, VHF and UHF Radio Station A. General Comments = 41 B. _ Radio Station Site Selection 49 C. Design 4 D. Clearing 4 —. Refer to IE through IG, above, for Construc- tion, Cleanup and Restoration and Maintenance Reference List 4 FOREWORD Many publications have been written covering most aspects of the environmental impact of electric transmission systems. In May 1966 the Bonneville Power Administration issued “A Report on Appearance Planning for BPA”. This report, and others in the referenced list, such as “Working Committee on Utilities-Report to the Vice President and to the President’s Council on Recreation and Natural Beauty”’ dated December 1968——are the foundation for “Environment Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems”. This publication is a compilation of pertinent criteria which have been updated and organized for easy reference, guidance and use. While acknowledging past efforts, we would also like to express our appreciation for the cooperation received in preparing this publication. The review of the draft document and the preparation of detailed comments was a time consuming task. We appreciate the cooperation of and the contributions made by Federal agencies, a majority of the states, the electric utility industry and private organizations. All comments and suggestions were carefully considered and in most cases incorporated into the final document. “Environmental Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems” is generally written for broad application. When applied to ii specific circumstances, the criteria should be used as a guide only. It is intended that all criteria be considered; however, it is recognized that many will not be applicable to the specific system being reviewed. They should not be used to justify violations of existing safety regulations or the various codes applicable to the construction, operation, and maintenance of electric transmission systems. The criteria were carefully written to serve as a reasonable guide to the review of transmission systems. It should be recognized that not all of the criteria may apply to a given set of circumstances, and where an application is questionable, interested parties should jointly seek a reasonable solution. Discussion and reasonable compromise between competing interests is the best mechanism for enforcement. The electric utility industry is encouraged to make en- vironmental costs known to the public so that unreasonable demands and excessive costs can be avoided. In most cases, these costs will be negligible. In some cases the costs will be so high that alternatives will have to be considered, or, it may be determined that no intrusion is tolerable regardless of the costs involved. While no attempt is made to outline cost guidelines, all additional costs should be fully justified. At the same time, management should consider as a part of their construction and their normal maintenance and operating budgets, the costs of these environmental considerations. INTRODUCTION The electric utility industry is faced with a complex challenge in the 70’s. It must provide the generation and transmission facilities that are and. will be needed to meet the ever growing demand for reliable electrical power, and it must do this in a decade dedicated to the restoration and protection of our environment. There are approximately 3600 electric utilities in the United States. These utilities operate over 300,000 miles of overhead electric transmission lines, which preempt nearly 4 million acres of land for right-of-way. With the demand for electric power doubling each decade, it is estimated that ap- proximately 100,000 miles of new transmission lines will be constructed on 1% million acres of right-of-way each decade for the balance of this century. These projections become even more significant when viewed as “but a part” of the total right-of-way requirements for highways, railroads, pipe- lines, and other utilities. On January 1, 1970, President Nixon signed into law the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which states that it is the policy of the Federal Government “‘. . .to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive harmony.” iii The publication of Environmental Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems is in accord with this policy. The Federal Government is deeply involved with and can be properly considered a part of the electric utility industry. Federal agencies are engaged to varying degrees in the generation, transmission, and marketing of electrical power and in the regional planning required to meet this Nation’s growing electrical demands. At the same time, these agencies are required to work with this industry in an effort to minimize its impact on our environment and specifically on the lands and programs that these agencies administer. The electric utility industry faces an environmentally aroused general public. The questions being raised are difficult to answer to the satisfaction of this public and oftentimes adverse reactions cause delays that may create critical shortages. The industry must acknowledge by policy and deed the public’s right to insist upon environmental protection. However, no less important is the general public’s duty to acknowledge that the principal function of this industry is to supply energy at a reasonable cost where and when it is required. What remains to be defined then is the balance between these two significant concerns. Energy must be supplied and the environment will be protected. The purpose of this report is to provide broadly based criteria which can be applied with judgment by the Federal land managing agencies to design regulations and enforce contractual standards of performance in the construction and maintenance of transmission systems. It is patently im- practicable to include in a single document standards of environmental protection which will contain sufficient detail to cover every situation. This document will permit Federal agencies and all electric utilities to enter into the design and planning of transmission lines—particularly lines which cross Federal lands—with an understanding of the frame-of-reference in which their work will be appraised by the Federal Govern- ment. The land managing agencies have the responsibility to protect the natural resources affected by transmission systems. They must determine the degree of protection required, which varies with the use of the land and its environmental values. vi Environmental considerations and the aesthetic needs of land set aside for parks, historic sites, national monuments and recreational areas will differ significantly from those of lands used; for example, for grazing or forestry. The environmental values to be considered by the land managing agencies relate to visual aesthetics, multiple land use, proper drainage, protection of game cover and fishing and spawning areas, and safeguarding the land against the damage caused by burn- ing and flooding. The Nation no longer can afford the profligate use of its land resources. Improved long-range land use planning, the more extensive use of utility corridors and the upgrading of existing systems will help to alleviate this problem. New technological developments may permit the undergrounding of transmission lines, the use of superconductors and even the transmission of electric power without wires. But for now, at a time when planning and construction must proceed without tomorrow’s technology, there is a need for improved design, construction and maintenance of overhead trans-_ mission lines to protect the natural environment and to * preserve the aesthetics of the countryside. The development of these criteria is directed toward this objective. This report represents an element of environmental plannir It establishes a frame-of-reference within which the la managing agencies will devise and implement regulations protect and conserve the environment with respect to t construction of electric transmission facilities by the Fede: Government or by non-federal entities on Federal land. will also guide Federal agencies engaged in the constructic of transmission systems on both public and private lands. Environmental criteria for electric transmission systems a equally valid for construction of non-federal electr transmission systems which do not cross Federal lands. Tt electric utility industry is urged to adopt these criteria fi their entire transmission systems. vi COORDINATION The public interest is properly served when electric transmission facilities are planned, constructed and operated to provide the country with an adequate and reliable power supply that is compatible with our environment. The key to success in the efforts to minimize the impact and optimize the compatibility of electric transmission systems on the environment is coordination—involving the industry, all interested Federal, State and local governments (especially those with planning responsibilities) and the private sector. It is the responsibility of management to insure that this coordination takes place at the earliest possible time in the planning process. The purpose of coordination is to identify all interests affected by the electric transmission facility, to explore alternatives and to resolve conflicts. Environmental considerations must be placed in proper perspective with other vital issues such as reliability, cost and safety. The techniques for implementing environmental criteria are widely known in the electric utility industry. This industry is concerned with the environment and has demonstrated a willingness to incorporate environmental considerations into its plans. ix Just as reliability became a criterion against which plans and actions of the industry are measured, another criterion of equal importance must now be given comparable status—the environment. There is a need for development of viable State and regional mechanisms to work with the electric utility industry to plan and review its future requirements. This type of mechanism does not now exist in most states and must be developed promptly if there is to be orderly growth and intelligent coordination of individual plans. Regional, overt, integrated planning will produce broad conceptual guidelines for future growth and will assist individual utilities to proceed with the design and construction of facilities required to meet their specific needs. Efforts are now being made to define and establish these mechanisms. Once established, ‘En- vironmental Criteria for Electric Transmission Systems” will be a useful document in their planning and review. When a transmission system crosses lands administered by more than one Federal land-managing agency, it is in the public interest to have a coordinated review of this system. An uncoordinated, fragmented approach reduces the effectiveness of the Federal review and does not allow for an overview of the entire transmission system. If all alternatives are to be considered, the review must encompass the entire system, with an understanding of the electrical problems and considerations that should be a part of this review. Technical staff assistance on electrical, structural, landscape, and design alternatives is available upon request from the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Assistant Secretary-Water and Power Development, and the Depart- ment of Agriculture’s Office of the Assistant Secretary—Rural Development and Conservation. The use of these talents will provide an unbiased, reasonable and coordinated input into the decision making that would remain with the land- managing agencies or for Federal involvement in systems built on private lands. Pre- and postconstruction conferences are key elements to local coordination. Once all affected interests have been identified and appropriate measures have been agreed upon to accommodate these interests, a preconstruction conference should be held to review and reaffirm the agreements. A similar postconstruction conference should also be held, following a physical inspection, to assure that these agreements have been implemented, and if not, what can be done. These conferences should be held between aii representatives of the affected interests and the builder of the transmission system. Where possible, the agreements should be written into right-of-way permits or other documents of comparable stature. Where Federal lands are involved, this should become standard practice. Finally, periodic tours of the completed transmission system should be made to see to it that the system is properly maintained and that repairs are made with the same care with which the system was constructed. t R A N Ss M i Ss Ss 1 oO N L I N E Ss A. General Comments Past experience has demonstrated that compliance with the following criteria will safeguard aesthetic and environmental values within the constraints imposed by the current state of high-voltage transmission technology. The development of an economically feasible underground transmission technology will require a redefinition of environmental transmission criteria. These criteria are intended for use in rural areas and may not apply specifically to urban areas. B. Selection of a Proposed Route or Corridor Concealment of transmission towers and lines is virtually impossible, but much can be done to make them less obtrusive and more attractive. Adherence to the following criteria will minimize the impact and optimize the compatibility of transmission facilities with the environment. 1. Rights-of-way should be selected to preserve the natural landscape and minimize conflict with present and planned uses of the land on which they are to be located. 2. Where possible, retirement or upgrading of existing lower voltage transmission circuits should be required to allow construction of higher voltage, higher capacity circuits on the existing right-of-way. 3. Properly sited established rights-of-way should be used where warranted for the location of additions to existing transmission facilities. 4. The joint use of electric transmission facilities by two or more utilities should be encouraged, when feasible, to reduce the total number of transmission lines constructed. Place beyond ridges or timber . The joint use of rights-of-way with other types of utilities should be coordinated in a common corridor wherever uses are compatible. . The relative advantages and disadvantages of locating a new line either adjacent to or widely separated from existing transmission lines should be considered. Right- of-way boundaries should be so located as to avoid creating unusable hiatus areas. . Rights-of-way should avoid heavily timbered areas, steep slopes, proximity to main highways, shelter belts and scenic areas. . Where possible, transmission line crossings of major roads in the vicinity of intersections or interchanges should be avoided. . Long views of transmission lines parallel to existing or proposed highways should generally be avoided. Alternative routes away from highways should be considered. Where ridges or timber areas are adjacent to highways or other areas of public view, overhead lines should be placed beyond the ridges or timber areas. Avoid crossing at high points 10. BE 12. Cross atadip Avoid crossing at high points in the road so that the towers cannot be seen from a great distance. Instead, where possible, cross the highway between two high points, at a dip, or on a curve in the road. Avoid open expanses of water and marshland and particularly those utilized as flight lanes by migratory waterfowl and as heavily used corridors by other birds. Avoid areas of wildlife concentrations such as nesting and rearing areas. Where the transmission rights-of-way cross areas of land managed by Government agencies, State agencies or private organizations, these agencies should be contacted early. in the planning of the transmission project to coordinate the line location with their land-use planning and with other existing or proposed rights-of-way. To retain natural growth Use long span towers 13. In forest or timber areas long spans should be used at highway crossings in order to retain much of the natural growth or provide a planted screen along the highways. Avoid long views of transmission lines Approach and cross diagonally 14. Long views of transmission lines perpendicular to high- ways, down canyons and valleys or up ridges and hills should be avoided. The lines should approach these areas diagonally and should cross them at a slight diagonal. Cross canyons up-slope 15. Transmission lines should cross canyons up-slope from roads which traverse the length of the canyon. 16. Transmission facilities should be located part way up slopes to provide a background of topography and/or natural cover where possible. Screen these facilities from highways and other areas of public view to the extent possible with natural vegetation and terrain. 4 Screen with vegetation or terrain Avoid crossing at crests 17. 18. Facilities should not be silhouetted Rights-of-way should not cross hills and other high points at the crests. To avoid placing a transmission tower at the crest of a ridge or hill, space towers below the crest or in a saddle to carry the line over the ridge or hill. The profile of the facilities should not be silhouetted against the sky. Rights-of-way should avoid parks, monuments, scenic, recreation, or historic areas. If a line must be located in or near these areas, the feasibility of placing the line underground should be clearly determined. If the line must be placed overhead, it should be located in a corridor least visible to public view. Other criteria or conditions as necessary to minimize adverse impacts may be imposed by the agency administering the lands involved. 7 aint 19. When crossing a canyon in a forest, high, long-span towers should be used to keep the conductors above the trees and to minimize the need to clear all vegetation from below the lines. Clearing in the canyon should be limited to that which is necessary. to string the conductors. 20. It may be desirable to occasionally deflect right-of-way strips through scenic forest or timber areas. The resulting irregular patterns prevent the rights-of-way from appearing as tunnels cut through the timber. Occasionally deflect right-of-way 21. Locate access and construction roads in a manner that will preserve natural beauty and minimize erosion. Locate road grades and alignments to follow the contour of the land with smooth, gradual curves when possible. Com- mensurate with the topography, locate construction roads for later use as maintenance access roads or to provide access to recreational areas. Use existing roads to the maximum extent possible. Agencies administering the right-of-way lands involved may limit access and construction roads due to certain fragile or conservation aspects of the lands and associated resources. 22. Select a route that will maximize the use of natural screens to remove transmission facilities from view. 23. Where lines cross roads, the right-of-way should be left in its natural state as far back from the road as possible. 10 C. Design The present state of engineering design limits the extent to which a transmission line can be made unobtrusive. Ad- ditional work must be done in the areas of developing new, aesthetically pleasing, and functional towers; the use of new construction materials in these towers; and eventual develop- ment of economically feasible methods of undergrounding high-voltage, high-capacity transmission circuits. In the interim, design of transmission lines should consider placing of lines underground when crossing roads or traversing aesthetically sensitive areas of limited scope and distance. The following factors used in the design of surface transmission facilities will minimize the adverse effects: 1. Towers should be strategically located to make maximum use of existing topography, vegetation, etc. for screening. = a, Cea ae me 2. New and more attractive concepts in the design of transmission line towers should be considered. 11 12 3. Coloring of transmission line towers to blend with the landscape may be desirable where they must be located in or near areas of high scenic value. 4.The materials used to construct transmission towers should harmonize with the natural surroundings. Self- protecting bare steel is appropriate in many areas. Towers constructed of material other than steel, such as concrete, aluminum, or wood, should be considered. Two structures + two circuits = too wide 5. At road crossings of two or more circuits, and where only a portion of the line is visible from the highway, the use of multiple circuit towers may be effective in minimizing the impact of the lines at that point. 10. . Where rights-of-way cross major highways and Tivers, the transmission line towers should be strategically located for minimum visibility. .The use of high strength conductors should be considered, particularly at road, waterway and canyon or gorge crossings to pick up the line sag and allow for straighter line profiles. . Choice of conductor material should be carefully considered so as to avoid sheen or too strong a silhouette and to provide the best selection for blending the conductors into any given setting through which the line must pass. . When lines are adjacent to highways, guyed towers should be avoided whenever possible. In situations where the minimum visibility sought in items 3, 4, 6 and 8 conflicts with safety regulations, the safety regulations shall govern. These requirements are outlined in Part 77, F.A.A. Regulations ‘“‘Objects Affecting Navigable Air Space”’. 13 14 D. Clearing Clearing plans, methods and practices are extremely important for success in any program designed to minimize the adverse effects of electric transmission lines on natural environment. The following factors, if thoughtfully implemented and applied to each project, will help meet this goal: 1. Clearing shall be performed in a manner which will maximize preservation of natural beauty, conservation of natural resources, and minimize marring and scarring of the landscape or silting of streams. 2. Where rights-of-way cross major highways and rivers the clearing should be done in such a way that a screen of natural vegetation is left in the right-of-way on each side of the road or river. If natural vegetation is such that a screen cannot be left, the planting of native types of plants, low-growing trees, etc. should be considered to provide screening. 3. The time and method of clearing rights-of-way should take into account soil stability, the protection of natural vegetation, and the protection of adjacent resources, such as the protection of natural habitat for wildlife and appropriate measures for the prevention of silt deposition in water courses. 4. Clearing of natural vegetation should be limited to that material which poses a hazard to the transmission line. Determination of a hazard in critical areas such as Park and Forest lands should be a joint endeavor of the utility company and the area manager in keeping with the National Electric Safety Code, State or other electric safety and reliability requirements. 5. The use of “brush blades” instead of dirt blades on bulldozers is recommended in clearing operations where such use will preserve the cover crop of grass, low growing brush, etc. 15 “Feather-back”’ the right-of-way . Where possible, right-of-way strips through sensitive forest and timber areas should be cleared with curved, undulating boundaries. The notched effect of a right- of-way cross section should be avoided. Careful topping and pruning of trees can contribute to this. Also, small trees and plants should be used to feather back the rights-of-way from grass and shrubbery to larger trees. If the rights-of-way are through dense areas of timber where trees are of equal height, and the right-of-way must be cleared to a straight line, the maintenance plan should provide for ultimately reaching the above desired results through seeding, planting and selective cutting of native material. Consideration should be given to the establish- ment of native vegetation of value as food and cover for wildlife. - Special care should be used when clearing through shelter belts, orchards, natural stands of trees, or other special areas with high exposure to public view which cannot be avoided. 8. Where rights-of-way enter dense timber from a meadow or where they cross major roadways, streams or rivers ir forested areas, a screen of natural vegetation should bi retained along the right-of-way. 9. Brush or small trees cleared and not otherwise disposec of may be piled in a way to provide cover habitat fo small game animals and birds. Such brush piles should bi ag Vegetation screens Lia j | long-axis right-of-way views- screened from public view. eo Note curved, undulating 10. Trees and brush should be cleared only when necessary t« boundaries provide electrical clearance, line reliability or suitable ac cess and construction roads for operation, maintenance and construction. (Recall the possible limitations men tioned under I-B-21.) Straight swath appearance shoul be avoided. 11.In any timber region where particular forest species car be grown for Christmas tree market, the right-of-way should be used for Christmas tree growing purposes i * economically feasible. This will help to preserve the scenic beauty. 12. In other areas, consideration should be given to othe uses of the right-of-way. (Refer to I-G-9 for typica multiple uses.) E. Construction The best environmental planning can be reversed or defeated by uncontrolled construction activities. The entire force employed by contractors should be advised that all aspects of their construction activities are to be geared to the pre- servation and enhancement of natural beauty and the conservation of natural resources. The following criteria will help to attain this goal. (These criteria are particularly subject to adjustment befitting the rules and judgments of the various agencies across whose lands the line may be permitted to go.) 1. Clearing and grading of construction areas such as camp sites, storage areas, setup sites, etc. should be minimal. These areas should be graded in a manner which will minimize erosion and conform to the natural topography. 2. Borrow areas, rock quarries, etc., should be located away from public view. These areas should be restored to such condition that erosion will be avoided and appearance is acceptable. Borrow pits can be tastefully and aesthetically created to blend into the natural landscape and in some instances used for active resource purposes; for example, fish and wildlife management purposes. 3. Soil which has been excavated during construction and not used should be evenly back filled onto the cleared area or removed from the site. The soil should be graded to conform with the terrain and the adjacent land. Top soil should be replaced and appropriate vegetation planted and fertilized. 4. Terraces and other erosion control devices should be constructed where necessary to prevent soil erosion along the right-of-way. 5. The tops of spoil piles in arid locations should be shaped in a concave manner to retain moisture. Steep slopes on these piles should be avoided to prevent erosion. 6. Roads should be provided with side drainage ditches and culverts across the roads to prevent soil or road erosion. 7. Roads should not be constructed on unstable slopes. Where feasible, service and access roads should be used jointly. 8. As a general rule, machine clearing (bulldozing) should not be done on slopes which exceed 35%. 9. Clearing and construction activities in the vicinity of stream beds should be performed in a manner to minimize damage to the natural condition of the area. Machine clearing should not be permitted within 100 feet of any stream bed. 10. Avoid oil spills and other types of pollution, particularly while performing work in the vicinity of streams, lakes and reservoirs. 19 A ar 20 11. 12. 13: 14. sy 16. Blasting should not be done in or near stream channels without adequately protecting fish and other aquatic life. Trees, shrubs, grass, natural features and topsoil which are not removed should be protected from damage during con:truction. Water used for construction purposes and taken from streams or other bodies of water should be limited to volumes which will not cause harm to the ecology or aesthetics of the area. Every precaution should be taken to prevent the possibility of accidentally starting range or forest fires. Construction programs should include fire prevention planning, training of personnel in fire fighting and a fire inspection program. Full compliance with fire laws and regulations is a necessity. The use of helicopters for construction on rights-of-way should be considered in mountainous or otherwise inaccessible terrain or areas of scenic and _ historic significance. Undergrounding must be considered for lower voltage sub-transmission lines when alignments parallel or cross major highways, natural, scenic and historic sites, re- creation areas, wildlife refuges, national and state monuments, etc. Consideration of underground 17. 18. 19. 20. installation must take into account the relative ecological damage, success of landscape restoration and the overall environmental quality retention as independent aspects of feasibility evaluation in comparison to aerial installations. Tension stringing of conductors should be employed wherever possible so as to reduce the amount of vegetation clearing before the final conductor location is established. Tension stringing is also associated with helicopter construction where “Feed” or “‘Stringer” lines are aerial borne and where high-strength conductors are used. When possible, construction should be performed during seasons of low-wildlife occurrence, such as between periods of water-fowl migrations. Construction roads should be located and designed tc prevent erosion and sedimentation, and to serve permanent service access requirements. Soil disturbance during construction should be kept to z minimum, and restorative measures should be taker promptly. 21 22 F. Cleanup and Restoration The following criteria provide for the cleanup of construction debris and the restoration of the area’s natural setting. Further requirements may be imposed by land management agencies across whose lands a line may be permitted to go. 1. Scars, cuts, fills, or other aesthetically degraded areas should be seeded or reseeded as soon as possible to reduce erosion and restore a natural appearance, and to provide food and cover for wildlife. 2. Temporary roads should be obliterated by restoring original slopes and planting natural ground cover. 3. Approach roads and existing low-standard roads which are to be used for access roads should be improved to provide proper drainage and control erosion. 4. Fertilize and seed restored areas as required to encourage growth of grass and other vegetation which is ecologically desirable. 5. Construction campsites, storage areas, etc. should be restored to their original or natural condition. . Dismantle and remove all abandoned or useless buildings, equipment, supplies, and personal property. . Material to be burned should be piled in a manner and in such locations as will cause the least fire risk. Care must be taken to prevent fire or heat damage to desirable trees and shrubs within and adjacent to the right-of-way, to conform with local fire regulations, and to minimize air pollution. . If the natural vegetation cannot be effectively saved to provide an adequate screen, trees and shrubs native to that area should be planted to ultimately provide the necessary screening. Consideration should be given to the establishment of native vegetation of value as food and cover for wildlife. . If it is necessary to clear down to the mineral soil, the topsoil should be saved, replaced and stabilized without undue delay by the appropriate seeding of grass, shrubs, and other native vegetation compatible with the surrounding ground cover. 23 10. 11. 12. 13. Waste, cleared and trimmed material shall be ground up, burned, removed, concealed, or scattered as required prior to completion of the contract. Replacement of earth adjacent to water crossings for access roads should be at slopes less than the normal angle of repose for the soil type involved. Sodding or seeding should be accomplished without undue delay. Brush, timber and other wood products can be disposed of by chipping or shredding. After reduction in this manner the materials can be dispersed to serve as mulch, rather than burned. Where site factors make it unusually difficult to establish a protective vegetative cover, other restoration procedures may be advisable, such as the use of gravel, tocks, concrete, etc. G. Maintenance Preservation of both the environmental and natural resourct conservation factors designed and built into a transmissior system will require a thoughtful, comprehensive program fo: maintaining the facility. The following factors should be incorporated into such a program. 1. Native vegetation, particularly that of value to fish anc wildlife, which has been saved through the constructior process and which does not pose a hazard to the transmission line should be nurtured and allowed to grow on the right-of-way. 2. Native grass cover should be maintained if ecologically appropriate in the areas immediately adjacent tc transmission towers. 3. Native trees, shrubs, herbs and grass should be allowed tc grow and where ecologically appropriate in critical areas vegetation of this type should be planted at acceptable distances from transmission facilities. 4. Once a cover of vegetation has been established on a right-of-way, it should be properly maintained. 25 26 5. Access roads and service roads, if and where permitted, should be maintained with native grass cover, water bars and the proper slope in order to prevent soil erosion. 6. Chemicals, when used, should be carefully selected to have a minimum effect on desirable indigenous plant life and selective application should be used wherever appropriate to preserve the natural environment. In scenic areas, the impact of temporary discoloration of foliage should be considered; and where this factor is critical, either mechanical means of vegetative control should be used, or the work should be scheduled in the early spring or late fall. It is essential that chemicals be applied in a manner fully consistent with the protection of the entire environment, particularly of the health of humans and wildlife. 7. Maintenance inspection intervals should be established so that routine maintenance occurs when access roads are firm, dry or frozen. Maintenance vegetative clearing in particularly critical areas should be done on a short cycle to satisfy minimal requirements and avoid heavy, long-term cutbacks. 8. Aerial and ground maintenance inspection activities of the transmission line facility shall include observations of soil erosion problems, fallen timber and conditions of the vegetation which require attention. The use of aircraft to inspect and maintain transmission facilities should be encouraged. 9. Public acceptance of rights-of-way is generally broadened when compatible multiple use of a right-of-way is allowed or encouraged. Transmission line rights-of-way can be made available for appropriate types of multiple use concepts, such as: Game food plots Christmas tree nursery Recreation areas Other nursery stock Access to Wildlife sanctuaries recreation areas Wildlife refuges Parks Wildlife Golf courses management areas Equestrian or Hiking trail routes bicycle paths General agriculture Orchards Athletic facilities Picnic areas Game cover Storage facilities 27 = OS—-FOI>LeOHW BF HIMHFIEF—-OZH A. General Comments The purpose of these facilities is to receive power; to transfer power from circuit to circuit; to protect circuits and equipment; to transform power to other voltage levels; to provide meters for billing, system power scheduling, and control; and to monitor system performance. The installation also often serves as a location for maintenance crew headquarters, warehouses, and storage facilities. The most comprehensive appearance improvement programs throughout the electric utility industry have been in switchyards and substations. Appearance of these facilities has been receiving much consideration in the development of structural and electrical designs by many utilities. Color is being used to enhance the appearance of installations and to define the function of the electrical equipment. Landscaping and architectural fences have been effectively used. The objective is to design these facilities to be compatible with their surroundings. Since the criteria for clearing, construction, cleanup, and restoration and maintenance of switchyards and substations are the same as for transmission lines, they have not been repeated in this section. Please refer to Sections I-D, I-E, I-F, and I-G. 31 B. Location The effective location of switchyards and substations requires careful consideration of the functional requirements of the facility and other factors understood and accepted by the utility industry, such as good access by road and rail and proximity to the load or generation station. Consideration of the following additional factors would do much to minimize the adverse environmental impact of the facilities: 1. Switchyards and substations should be located with consideration both for their basic function and for the preservation of public views of scenic, historic, natural and recreation areas, parks, monuments, etc. 2.The proposed location, layout, and design parameters should be coordinated with appropriate local planning agencies to assure maximum compatibility between the facilities and present and future land use. . The location should be coordinated with the needs of utilities delivering power into or receiving power from the station. This is particularly important in the development of the site’s electrical layout to minimize costly, unsightly, transmission line crossovers and unnecessary duplication of facilities. . If possible. locations should avoid populated areas, parks, scenic areas, wildlife refuges, hilltops and natural or man-made structures. . Locations near existing or proposed interstate or state primary highways should be avoided. . Where possible, substations should be located where they may be naturally or artificially screened. . Potential noise should be considered when the locations for high-voltage substations are being determined. The facilities should be located in areas where sound will not be resonated. . Multiple level, terraced substations may be used to minimize excavation and provide a facility that will blend © effectively with sloping terrain. 33 34 C. Design The following factors incorporated into the design of substations and switchyards will significantly contribute to the environmental compatibility of the facilities. 1. Facilities should be designed to be compatible with the area in which they are located and constructed from materials which are native to the area or which harmonize with their surroundings. 2. The size of switchyards and substations should be kept to the minimum which will accommodate the ultimate functional and aesthetic requirements. 3.Cut and fill slopes should be designed to achieve maximum compatibility with the surrounding natural topography. 4. Simplified, functional structures should be considered in preference to conventional lattice types. CoS Re DID ra Avoid lattice 5. In general, the use of low profile concepts and simplifiec structures within switchyards and substations wil enhance the overall appearance of the facility. An uncluttered substation 6. Buildings should be designed to be architectually compatible with their surroundings. . 7. Distinctive colors should be used wherever they appropriately enhance the appearance of substation structures and identify or express the function of electrical equipment; provided, however, that such colors are in harmony with the surrounding area. 36 8. Architectural fences or architectural features should be used along the fence line to complement the surrounding landscape. or other features. Architectural fences may in some instances complement the architecture of service or control buildings within the substation area. 9. Creative landscaping practices should be developed and used to enhance the appearance of substation installation. However, the design may in some cases be compelled to abide with existing motifs, traditional forms and materials. 10. Ls jW78 13. 14. Transformer circuits should be placed underground wher economically feasible, or where natural features viewec by the public would be seriously despoiled by overheac circuits. Consideration should be given to placing distribution control, and telephone circuits underground. Exterior lighting for switchyards, substations anc buildings, adequate for work and for protection of the facilities from sabotage and malicious mischief, should be provided. In some cases exterior lighting may ap- propriately enhance the aesthetic values of the structured landscape elements. Disconnect switches, fuses, and other similar devices should preferably be located on low ground mounted structures as contrasted with placing them on high substation dead-end structures. Maintenance, warehouse, and storage facilities at the substations should be so located and maintained as to minimize their adverse effect upon the environment. 37 |, iin ee Avoid guys near substations 15. The use of guyed transmission structures adjacent to substations and switchyards should be avoided. 16. Signs, ground cover, etc., should be compatible with their surroundings. 17. Where feasible, transformers, power circuit breakers and other equipment should be designed for low, audible sound and so located and shielded as to minimize impact of sound on the neighborhood. ae a mere — = | A. General Comments Although this section is oriented to power systems communications, this criteria can appropriately apply to the treatment of any and all communications facilities. A very important part of modern electric utility systems are the communication facilities which are required to effectively and efficiently operate the power system. Communication channels are required for high-speed protective relay systems, for transmitting information, for high-speed control and regulation, for reliable voice communications, and on the more sophisticated systems for computer inputs. Very often the station sites required for main communication system link are also used as the locations for VHF and UHF mobile radio base and repeater stations. The proposed routes for communication system links usually follow the same general route followed by the transmission line. Since the criteria for construction, cleanup and restoration, and maintenance are the same as transmission lines, they have not been repeated in this section. Please refer to Sections I-E, I-F, and I-G. 41 42 B. Radio Station Site Selection The functional requirements of microwave sites are such that a “line-of-sight” beam path must be available between adjacent stations. It is also desirable to obtain the maximum VHF mobile radio coverage from each station. For these reasons, radio and microwave stations usually occupy high ground. The adverse environmental impact of these stations can be substantially minimized by selecting sites which: 1. Require the least development with respect to clearing and grading. 2. Require the least development with respect to station- service power line and access road construction. 3. Afford adequate maintenance access during adverse weather conditions. Microwave Tower 4. Are located on the slopes or brow of a hill to provide tt necessary beam path, yet offer the minimum silhouett Refer to section I-B. Some of these criteria are pertinent t the location of the sites covered in this section. C. Design The design for the development of any particular site should exploit all possibilities for minimizing the adverse en- vironmental impact of the facility: 1. Maximum height of antenna towers should not exceed that required to provide the necessary beam path. Antenna-bearing structures and associated hardware should be adequate to withstand climatic stresses of the area, but should provide a minimum silhouette. 2. Buildings should be single story and of minimum size to satisfy present and future functional requirements. 3. To the extent that is feasible, all structures should be designed to be architecturally compatible with the area in which they are located, constructed from materials which either are native to the area or which harmonize with their surroundings. 4. Engines for emergency power supplies should be adequately muffled. : 5. Where safety code permits, fuel tanks should either be buried or recessed below grade or otherwise screened. 6. Burial of the alternating current station service power supply lines to and near the site should be considered with the same caution outlined in I-E-16. 7. The AC station service line to the site should follow ground contours instead of a straight line and be treated in the same manner as design and construction under transmission lines. 8. The access road to the site, if necessary, should be designed and located for minimum adverse impact and maximum landscape conservation with respect to all environmental effects. 9. Access to the site for emergency or routine maintenance is sometimes necessary when the access road is impassable. Facilities and site should both be developed so that a helicopter can land in the vicinity of the station. Refer to section I-C. Some of these criteria are pertinent to the design of these facilities. 45 46 . Clearing . The clearing of trees and vegetation for the facility should be limited to the minimum area required. To the extent possible, all foliage adjacent to the site should be left undisturbed to provide maximum screening of the installation. . Timber should be removed only as required for the site and beam paths. Wide swath beam paths should be avoided. In heavy timber, consideration should be given to making the tower taller than the trees to avoid beam path clearing. The trees then provide a partial screen for both the tower and the site. Trees screen tower and site 5. Where possible, trees should be topped rather thar removed. This alternative appears to be a satisfactory om where topping the trees leave at least 50 percent of thi crown and foliage. 6. Debris resulting from the clearing operation should bi removed or handled as indicated in I-D-9. All timber anc other vegetative material without value should bi mechanically chipped and spread in a manner that wil aid seedling establishment and soil stabilization. 7. Clearing for the station service AC supply facility whether buried or overhead, and for the access road t« the site should be held to a minimum. Refer to section I-D. Some of these criteria are pertinent t« the clearing for these facilities. 47 REFERENCE LIST 1. Applegate, L.M. HVDC has Little Hazard for Piping. Power 112(5):82-84. May 1968. 2. Barnes, C.C. Electric Cables. London, Chapman and Hall, 1966. 293p. 3. Barnes, C.C. 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