Energy Transmission for Tomorrow

A Perspective

   The Western Area Power Administration (Western) is a federal agency responsible for the transmission and marketing of power across 15 Western states. Western maintains and operates more than 16,000 miles of transmission line in providing its customers with economic and reliable electric energy.

   As power requirements change and increase, Western must, from time to time, build additional transmission lines or upgrade existing lines to provide adequate and reliable service. To do so, Western vitally needs the cooperation of the general public, public organizations, and owners of property in the area. The individuals with whom Western must deal should understand the purpose, intention, and need for Western's construction projects.

   Western is concerned about the environment and the rights of the citizen over whose land the transmission lines may be built and is committed to a positive program of addressing those concerns. Public meetings are conducted by Western to explain the project and to receive public comments and suggestions.

   This brochure describes the activities involved in building and maintaining transmission lines. It is not meant to be all inclusive but rather a synopsis addressing the major items. We hope that, through contacts with Western employees, any questions or concerns you have will be answered.

Planning

   In determining the need for a transmission line, Western evaluates many factors. The primary ones are: (1) system capability to maintain adequate service; (2) system ability to serve projected load demand; and (3) system transfer capacity to deliver new resources, provide emergency assistance to adjacent power systems, or to enhance fossil-fuel conservation programs.

   Once the need for a facility has been established, five considerations basically determine where a line is finally located and how long the planning and construction will actually take. These are: (a) terrain, (b) economics, (c) environmental considerations, (d) present and potential land use, and (e) existing system facilities. No one factor is automatically regarded as being more important than any of the others.

   The terrain can limit where, when, and how a powerline can be constructed. Soil and terrain features are especially important when locating high-voltage structures. Since the structures must be firmly anchored, soil and subsoil conditions are studied. Trees or other vegetation that could grow into or fall across the conductors may have to be trimmed, topped, or removed. When lines must cross canyons or rivers, special structures that will support the additional weight are used. When lines are going across farm land, Western attempts to limit interference with farming operations.

   Many items determine the eventual cost of constructing a new line or upgrading an existing one: environmental, land use, terrain, right-of-way requirements, etc. In locating and designing the line these are considered, resulting in a cost-efficient line that meets the needs of the transmission system. While a straight-line course may be desirable, the factors noted above may prevent this. Locating lines underground is not normally feasible since it costs from 7 to 20 times as much as placing lines above ground, and creates both technical and operational difficulties.

   The environmental phase of the Western planning process has a two-part objective-preparation of a project plan that is responsive to environmental concerns and one that complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969. The Department of Energy has adopted rigid standards for transmission line construction projects to ensure compliance with the Act.

   Before deciding upon the location of a transmission line, meetings are held to give the public an opportunity to participate in the selection of the location. After tentative corridors have been selected, affected landowners are invited to public meetings to discuss and explain the corridor selection. Landowners are encouraged to attend and provide input at these meetings to enable Western to consider any comments or questions they may have.

   The transmission line route selection process may extend over several years and involves information and comments from numerous governmental and nongovernmental sources. There is a continual interplay between planning and construction, with planning affecting construction activities and conditions at the work site changing original plans.

Preconstruction

   Early in the planning stages of a transmission line, landowners are contacted for permission to enter their land for study and survey purposes. Survey, geological, and cultural resource data will be gathered to determine the effects of the general alignment of the transmission line within the corridor selected. Landowners' cooperation in allowing Western to enter their property to conduct these activities is appreciated. Western encourages affected landowners to ask questions, provide input, and become familiar with planned activities as well as the proposed project. Western believes the more informed the landowners are about the project and the more informed Western is about the landowners situations and problems, the better working relations will be. The result is usually satisfactory for both parties.

   Once a transmission line corridor has been determined, line location surveys can begin. Regardless of the type of transmission line to be constructed, there are several common survey operations necessary to be able to design and construct the line. These operations are generally performed by a combination of ground and/or aerial survey methods, with Western employees and/or a contractor working as our agent. Although aerial survey is becoming the more common method, such factors as type of terrain, access, timing, cost, etc., determine the actual method used for a particular line.

   Many steps occur during the surveying of a transmission line. Once the centerline has been established, field crews traverse the alignment obtaining location of fences, road crossings, buildings, utilities, and other information. Following the centerline survey, crews again traverse the line obtaining elevation data of the ground along the centerline. When the alignment surveys are complete, the centerline relationship to section corners or other established land markers is then determined. After the structure sites are located, the centerline is reviewed to determine routes necessary for access to the transmission line right-of-way. These routes are all surveyed and tied to land subdivisions and corners to develop right-of-way descriptions. We attempt to utilize existing roads or trails for access whenever possible.

   Geologic investigations are an integral part of transmission line construction. Information obtained from these investigations is used to help select the best route and design foundations for towers. Geologic information is also used by prospective contractors to evaluate for bidding purposes the subsurface conditions that may be encountered during construction.

   Generally, geologic investigations consist of reconnaissance, preliminary and final subsurface investigation, detailed geologic mapping along the transmission line alignment, and ground water monitoring. These activities involve several people, and more than one trip through an area is usually necessary. The geologic investigations conducted by Western should not constitute a hazard or interference to normal land use operations.

   Line design criteria require that some structures be located at specific sites. However, where it is possible, structures are located where they have the least impacts. When the centerline changes direction, a more substantial structure may be required. This includes guy wires with wood pole structures. Guy wires are also required at various intervals along wood pole lines to prevent failure of long reaches of the line.

   Western's policy is to acquire interests in land that satisfy construction and safety requirements. The amount of land acquired by Western depends on the type of facility to be constructed. Also, the National Electric Safety Code requires that enough area be acquired to provide adequate clearances on each side of our facilities. Western's responsibility and objective is to fully compensate the landowner for his or her interest in the land. Western's offer of just compensation is based on an appraisal of the land and land rights required. The appraisal of these rights will, in all cases, be completed by a professional real estate appraiser. The appraiser may be an independent appraiser under contract to Western, or a fully qualified staff appraiser employed by Western.

   Under accepted appraisal practices, value is estimated by one or more of three basic approaches i.e., market data, cost, and income. In the majority of Western's acquisitions the appropriate approach is the market data approach, which is a value estimate based on sales of similar properties. The cost approach to value usually applies to highly improved properties. The income approach is generally used in appraising commercial, industrial, or similar type of income-producing properties.

   Public Law 91-646 (Uniform Relocation Assistance and Land Acquisition Policies Act of 1970) states that "the owner or his designated representative shall be given an opportunity to accompany the appraiser during his inspection of the property." Western's appraisers, both independent and staff, comply with this directive. The landowner should be prepared to point out any unique or unusual feature of the ownership that might affect the value of the property. Recent sales that the owner considers comparable to his or her property should also be brought to the attention of the appraiser.

   After the appraisal is completed, the landowner is furnished a formal written offer to purchase that explains the proposed acquisition and sets out the amount that Western has determined to be just compensation for the rights acquired. This amount cannot be less than the approved appraisal.

   The landowner will also be presented with the proposed acquisition document that, in most of Western's acquisitions, will be a Contract and Grant of Easement for transmission line purposes. The easement the United States acquires for transmission line purposes includes the right to locate, construct, operate, maintain, repair, rebuild, upgrade, remove, and patrol the transmission line within the easement area. The landowner retains the right to use the easement area as long as such use does not interfere with the rights granted to the United States.

   Western is willing and anxious to furnish information concerning the methods and procedures used to acquire right-of-way. Every effort is made to obtain an agreement that is fair and reasonable to both the individual landowner and the United States.

   After agreement is reached, Western processes the transaction and makes payment of contract consideration as expeditiously as possible. This process includes a legal review of title evidence, and the recording of the contract. In accordance with federal law, the costs of title evidence, recording fees, and similar expenses incidental to conveying the property to the United States are the responsibility of Western.

   If an agreement cannot be reached and the landowner declines to execute a contract, Western will then have to acquire the required land rights by Eminent Domain (condemnation) proceedings instituted in a federal District Court. This action is necessary to assure the availability of the land for the award of the construction contract. Condemnation proceedings fulfill the constitutional requirements of due process of law to establish just compensation when a landowner and the acquiring agency cannot reach a settlement. Western recognizes that there are instances where there is an honest difference of opinion between the Government and the landowner as to fair market value, and acquiring the lands by condemnation proceedings should not adversely affect the relationship between Western and the landowner.

   In condemnation proceedings, a Declaration of Taking is filed and the amount of money estimated to be the just compensation is deposited with the Registry of the Court. Title to the required interest in the land passes to the United States upon the filing of the Declaration of Taking, and the compensation to be paid the landowner is later determined by the court. Once the condemnation proceedings have been instituted, the United States Attorney has charge of the case.

   By making application to the court through the United States Attorney, the landowner is usually allowed to withdraw at least a portion of the money deposited in the Registry of the Court. The withdrawal of money from the court will not prejudice the landowners right to prove a greater value in the trial of the case.

   In addition to the payment of consideration for the right-of-way, the United States will repair or compensate for damages to crops or to other improvements within the easement area that occur as a result of the construction, operation, maintenance, or removal of the transmission line.

   Western's contractor has the right to enter or use any of the land on which the United States has acquired a right-of-way. Should the contractor desire to use land other than the right-of-way acquired, he or she must make arrangements with the landowner. Any compensation due a landowner for use or damage caused by the contractor on land outside of the right-of-way usually is the contractor's responsibility.

   If the landowner feels that damages have occurred, he or she should contact Western as soon as possible. The Western representative will investigate the damages and process a claim, if the damage occurred on the easement area. If the damages occurred off the right-of-way, the claim will usually be referred to the contractor.

   When Western owns a transmission line across a landowner's property and decides to reconstruct or rebuild the transmission line in the same location, Western's existing land rights are reviewed to determine if it is necessary to acquire additional rights-of-way. If additional rights-of-way are required, the process would be similar to the one described above. Damages to crops or improvements within the easement area resulting from Western's activities will be repaired or compensated for whether or not new rights-of-way are required by Western.

Construction

   The first phase of activity will be constructing gates and improving access along the line. Fence crossing under or parallel to the transmission lines are grounded to ensure electrical safety. Western has designed and will install permanent gates in fences crossed by the line or access routes. Following gate installation, the contractor will then proceed with clearing and improving access. Trees may be selectively trimmed, topped, or removed to provide clearance for the conductors or access along the right-of-way. Improving access along the alignment will be held to the minimum required for equipment movement. Next, soil excavations are done for constructing foundations or to receive wood poles.

   Structure erection is accomplished in three distinct steps: (1) vehicles will traverse the right-of-way delivering materials at each structure site, such as poles, steel, hardware, etc; (2) once the materials are at each site, the structures are assembled prior to erection; and (3) the structures are generally erected with a large crane. In some instances, helicopters may be used in structure erection.

   When sufficient structures have been erected, wires are installed. The transmission conductors and overhead ground wires are pulled into position by the use of heavy tugging equipment at one end and tensioning equipment at the other end. While being pulled, the conductors are kept in the air. After the conductors have been positioned, they are fixed to the insulators. The final operation consists of removing all leftover construction materials and debris. The right-of-way is restored as near as practical to its original condition.

Operation and Maintenance

   The day-to-day operation of the line is directed by system dispatchers in our power control centers. These dispatchers use Western's facilities to operate circuit breakers at each end of the line. The circuit breakers also operate automatically to further ensure safe operation of the transmission line.

   Western's preventive maintenance program for transmission lines uses routine aerial and ground patrols. Aerial patrols are performed about six times per year, and particularly after wind, ice, or lightning storms. Aerial patrols usually detect damaged conductors, insulators, and structures.Ground patrols are usually performed once a year to detect items needing repair or replacement. Whenever possible, ground patrols and subsequent repair activities are scheduled during times when there will be minimum crop or property damage. Western’s transmission lines are sometimes damaged by storms, floods, or accident, requiring immediate repair. If damages result from the repair activities, Western representatives will meet with the owner/operator to arrange for compensation.

   Management of the right-of-way is an integral part of Western’s transmission line maintenance program. Every attempt is made to maintain the reliability and security of all lines with a minimum adverse effect upon the environment. In forested areas, trees and brush may be cut or trimmed to maintain a safe clearance from conductors. Selective herbicides or chemical growth retardants are sometimes used for brush control. In some agricultural areas, soil sterilant is placed in a small area around wood poles and steel tower footings to reduce fire hazard and prevent the growth and spread of noxious weeds. Western line crews work cooperatively with owners/operators to maintain access roads, fences, and gates.

Safety Around Electrical Facilities

   Western designs, constructs, operates, and maintains its transmission lines and substation facilities to meet or exceed the requirements of the "National Electrical Safety Code," U.S. Department of Labor occupational safety and health standards, and Western’s "Power System Safety Standards." Thus, Western provides a maximum degree of safety and protection for the landowner and his or her property, the general public, and its own employees.

   Many land use activities are permitted on transmission line rights-of-way, as long as these activities do not interfere with operation and maintenance of the line. Normal farming activities are permitted if reasonable care is taken to prevent damage to transmission line structures from farm machinery. Lines are designed to allow safe operation of 14-foot-high (including antennas, etc.) farm machinery underneath conductors.

   To insure the public safety and to help electric utilities maintain the reliability of the transmission system, a list of do's and don'ts has been developed.

Do's

   Do contact the Western District Manager's office serving your area for advice and recommendations PRIOR to:

• Erecting any structure, including buildings, grain storage bins, water or fuel storage tanks, or fences, upon or near the easement.
• Moving any house or farm building under a line, whether it be on a roadway or across a field.
• Moving farm equipment or machinery exceeding 14 feet in height under a line.
• Installing any metal pipe or sprinkler irrigation system that will operate near a line.

   Do promptly notify the Western District Manager or the nearest Western field office when you NOTICE:

• A wood pole or cross arm on fire.
• A broken pole or collapsed structure.
• A grass or brush fire under or near a line.
• An arcing or sparking line.
• A fire or arcing in any equipment within a substation yard.
• Broken insulators, loose lines or overhead ground wires, or loose or broken guy wires on poles or steel structures.
• Lightning strikes on lines, structures, or poles.
• An open or damaged gate to a substation or missing padlock or damaged fencing and no utility person close by.
• Acts of vandalism or sabotage upon transmission lines or substation.

   Do use extreme CAUTION when:

• Handling irrigation pipe under or near a power line (a 30-foot length of pipe could contact the energized line).
• Operating any equipment close to a transmission line structure or line.

Don'ts

• Don't burn brush or crop debris under a power line (the heat and smoke could cause a flash over between lines or from line to ground).
• Don't stack hay under a power line or near structures or poles (this not only creates a fire hazard but also increases the possibility of contacting an energized line with hay-handling equipment).
• Don't operate mobile cranes, derricks, grain augers, or drill rigs under or near a power line (there is extreme danger of contacting an energized line with this type of equipment).
• Don't touch a line conductor hanging near the ground or lying upon the ground; it could still be energized. (Call the Western District Manager or nearest field office and report the situation.)
• Don't attempt to measure the height of a transmission line or the distance between a line and a grounded object. (The Western District Manager will provide this information or send someone to measure the distance with an insulated fiberglass measuring device.)
• Don't install a radio antenna support structure within 200 feet of a transmission line. (These structures are conductive; and, if they were to fall on to the line, they could cause a fire or personal injury.)
• Don't fly kites or ground controlled model airplanes close to transmission lines. (Control lines are conductive and contacting a line can cause personal injury.)
• FINALLY-If, in spite of all your precautions, the equipment you are operating contacts a power line, DO NOT STEP OFF THE EQUIPMENT-BUT JUMP, as far as you can, so that you cannot simultaneously touch the equipment and the ground.

Summary

   We hope this brochure provides you with basic information concerning the importance of our mission and how we accomplish the task of building and maintaining our transmission lines.

This web document was adapted from a Western booklet of the same name, GPO 775-533/65156, dated 5/1987.