Guidelines for Development Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC

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Guidelines for Compatible Uses The Utilities have classified potential ROW uses as described below, to assist landowners and developers in designing for ROWs. See the Compatible Use Guidelines for further details: http://www.bctc.com/the_transmission_system/rights_of_way_prop_rights/ No significant impact The following uses are considered to have “no significant impact” and do not require specific permission from the Utilities: • General landscaping and residential gardens, provided there is no change in grade and vegetation has a maximum height of 3 metres at maturity • Grazing of animals and agricultural uses (without mechanical irrigation systems or metallic fences) Minor impact The following uses are considered to have “minor impact” and should be reviewed by the Utilities prior to development: • Tree farms and other multi-year crops • Hiking and equestrian trails, paths and walkways • Small garden sheds and storage of nonhazardous materials • Non-metallic water and sewer lines, septic fields Major impact The following uses are considered to be “major impact” and must be coordinated by the utilities: • Driveways, access roads, utility crossings • Parking, playgrounds, tennis courts, golf courses, cemeteries, swimming pools • Gravel pits, quarries, fill, berms, and retaining walls • Any activity involving elevation or grade changes more than 0.5 metres • Sewage disposal fields, detention/retention ponds, watercourse relocation • Portions of non-habitable buildings (e.g. garages, carports) • Highways, roads and major pipelines parallel to and/or within the ROW • Street lamps and other lighting standards • Any activity involving any type of mechanized equipment (e.g. excavators, bulldozers, irrigation systems) Refueling within the ROW is not recommended, and in many ROW agreements it is specifically prohibited. In the interest of safety, users should contact the Utilities before proceeding with these kinds of activities. 24 Guidelines for Development Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC
Public Safety and Rights-of-Way Uses Maintenance Needs When transmission lines are built, the poles or towers are placed on sites which have clear routes to allow maintenance crews to gain access to them. Changing land use and the expansion of subdivisions cannot be allowed to impede access to poles or towers. When planning uses within the ROW, it is important to consider maintenance requirements. Transmission lines and towers require a minimum of six metres of clearance on all sides to ensure safe access for maintenance workers. 1. Induced Currents Landowners and developers should be aware of the potential for nuisance and startle shocks (caused by induced voltage) that can occur when someone comes in contact with a large conductive object (eg. a vehicle, building or even fencing) located on or off the right-of-way. These shocks are known as ‘nuisance’ or ‘startle’ since they will not physically hurt someone, but will be noticed by some people and provoke a startle reaction. These touch currents occur when a grounded individual touches an ungrounded object while standing in an Electric Field (e-field). Conductive objects when placed in an e-field attract a charge, and a person touching that object can experience an annoying or startling shock when a person’s body provides a path to ground for the current to follow. There are many factors which influence the likelihood of nuisance shocks and the extent that people will notice them. These include: • Line voltage • Conductor to ground clearance • Size of the vehicle or object • Location on or off the right of way • Atmospheric conditions • Personal physiology Electric fields emanate from any conductor or wire that carries voltage. Higher line voltages produce higher electric field strengths. The closer the conductor is to the ground, the higher the field strength beneath it tends to be, and the increased possibility of shocks. Larger objects such as a building or a large vehicle have the capability of a larger charge and therefore the shock could be more noticeable. Backyard metallic objects such as swings, portable grills and lawnmowers have been known to deliver similar shocks. Ungrounded metal wire fences can also receive sufficient charges to cause nuisance shocks. 25 Guidelines for Development Near Overhead Transmission Lines in BC
Page 1 and 2: Guidelines for Development Near Ove
Page 3 and 4: BC Transmission Corporation and BC
Page 5 and 6: BC Transmission Corporation and BC
Page 7 and 8: Characteristics of Transmission Tow
Page 9 and 10: Designing Around Power Lines Design
Page 11 and 12: Designing Around Power Lines Densit
Page 13 and 14: Designing Around Power Lines Alignm
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Page 17 and 18: Designing Around Power Lines Landsc
Page 19 and 20: Designing Around Power Lines Commun
Page 21 and 22: Designing Around Power Lines Nature
Page 23: Public Safety and Rights-of-Way Use
Page 27 and 28: Public Safety and Rights-of-Way Use
Page 29 and 30: Glossary Glossary Agreement An act
Page 31 and 32: Glossary Glossary (continued) Step
Page 33 and 34: Frequently Asked Questions Frequent
Page 35 and 36: Sources & Acknowledgements Sources

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