Get documents about "MMP_DM_Appendix_E
Shared by: xiangpeng
-
Stats
- views:
- 8
- posted:
- 1/3/2011
- language:
- English
- pages:
- 11
Document Sample
APPENDIX E NORTHEAST UTILITIES PROCEDURES
(SPECIFICALLY ONLY THOSE TRANSMISSION PROCEDURES
THAT RELATE TO CONSTRUCTION WITHIN THE ROW)
Making Requests for Wood
Managing Access to Transmission Rights-of-Way
Transmission Right-of-Way Activities in Agricultural
Lands
Restrictions on ATVs and Snowmobiles in
Transmission Rights-of-Way
Herbicide Use on Transmission Rights-of-Way
Vegetation for Transmission Rights-of-Way
Transmission Rights-of-Way Restoration
How to Retain Wood
Property owners whose land is crossed by a transmission line
right-of-way being cleared are eligible to retain all or a portion
As part of any new transmission line construction project, of the wood from the trees cleared from their property. Wood
Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) and/or Western is provided only for the property owner. It will not be provided
Massachusetts Electric (WMECO) must remove vegetation for renters, neighbors, friends, family or others who are not the
on transmission line rights-of-way. This vegetation removal property owner of record.
facilitates the use of line construction equipment and better
CL&P and WMECO compile a list of property owners whose
ensures the safety of construction crews. CL&P and WMECO
trees will need to be removed. Prior to the start of clearing,
are also required to comply with mandatory federal standards
project representatives will inform each property owner of the
which dictate specific distances that vegetation must be kept
amount of clearing necessary and the potential for keeping
from line conductors for transmission system reliability.
wood. A “Wood Information Form” must be signed by the
The vegetation clearing process is typically a very noticeable property owner at this point.
activity associated with the construction of new transmission
Before the actual clearing begins, CL&P and WMECO will
lines. Clearing in some areas may seem especially significant
review the requests of property owners interested in keeping
to public observers either because electric facilities presently
wood. Agreement will be reached with each owner on the
may not be using the full width of a right-of-way, or because
quantity of wood to be left, and the location for that wood.
additional right-of-way widths may have been acquired.
Wood will be left in a mutually agreeable location on the parcel
During the vegetation removal process, property owners of land from which the trees were removed, within an agreed-
whose land abuts the rights-of-way being cleared are offered upon time period. Please be aware that the wood will be in log
the opportunity to retain cut wood for their personal use. This lengths, typically 18-22 feet long, and can only be placed in
document outlines the process by which property owners can areas not considered wetlands or near rare, threatened, and/or
request wood. endangered species habitats.
Property owners whose land abuts the rights-of-way may retain
all or a portion of the wood cleared from the property.
If you are a property owner and interested in keeping the wood You may also contact Anthony (Tony) Johnson
of the trees cleared from your property, please advise the CL&P at 860.665.3858 or johnsaw@nu.com.
or WMECO project representatives during the initial briefing.
Transmission Vegetation Management
Northeast Utilities, P.O. Box 270, Hartford, CT 06141-0270
www.NUrightsofway.com
www.transmission-nu.com
Guideline G8-MT-004, Rev. 0, as referenced by NU Procedure: “Managing Rights-of-Way Impacts” March 2010 CD0310750
MMP D&M Plan Appendix E: Page 1 of 14
Connecticut Light & Power
Public Service of New Hampshire
Western Massachusetts Electric
Northeast Utilities (NU), through its operating companies, Access gates located on private property are usually secured by
manages nearly 1,900 miles of transmission line rights-of-way dual locks, one of which is controlled by the utility company
in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In the and the other by the owner of the property. Alternatively,
management of these rights-of-way, NU’s priorities are public a single company-issued combination lock may be used.
safety and maintaining the integrity of transmission system
During periods of transmission line construction, NU or an
property and equipment, while respecting the rights of private
authorized NU contractor may require an opening in an
property owners who have utility easements on their property. To
existing fence to gain access to the construction area.
support this effort, NU will install entry barriers as requested
With the owner’s permission, the company will install a gate
by property owners in targeted access road locations to help
in that opening to prevent unauthorized entry and, if needed,
deter unauthorized vehicle access to the utility rights-of-way.
restrict the exit of livestock.
The majority of the rights-of-way used for the NU electric
transmission system were established through the purchase of Northeast Utilities will install
easement rights by an NU operating company from owners of
the underlying property. While NU has rights to operate and entry barriers as requested by property
maintain the electric transmission system through these easements,
owners in targeted access road locations.
the underlying property is still owned by private parties. Their
rights to use the property continue, subject to NU’s easement rights.
Where transmission rights-of-way cross public roads and An agreement for the installation of the access gate will be
private property and are readily accessible to the public, NU’s provided to private property owners who request to have a gate
operating companies, Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P), installed. Gates will be permanently installed unless the property
Western Massachusetts Electric (WMECO), and Public Service owner requests that the gate be removed after construction.
of New Hampshire (PSNH), will work with property owners to The agreement will outline the ownership, company and landowner
determine if entry barriers will help deter unauthorized access. access, and maintenance of the gate. For gates being removed,
Where appropriate, CL&P/WMECO/PSNH will offer to the company will restore the area to a condition substantially
purchase and install entry barriers to help deter unauthorized the same as that which existed prior to construction, as long as
vehicle access. Typically, the entry barrier is a gate. each party is allowed to maintain authorized access.
For More Information www.NUrightsofway.com or www.transmission-nu.com
Anthony (Tony) Johnson
johnsaw@nu.com
860.665.3858
Transmission Vegetation Management
Northeast Utilities, P.O. Box 270, Hartford, CT 06141-0270
Guideline G8-MT-001, Rev. 0, as referenced by NU Procedure: “Managing Transmission Rights-of-Way Access” March 2010 CD0310750
MMP D&M Plan Appendix E: Page 3 of 14
Connecticut Light & Power
Public Service of New Hampshire
Western Massachusetts Electric
Northeast Utilities (NU), through its operating companies, Some of our routine practices include:
Connecticut Light & Power, Western Massachusetts Electric
and Public Service of New Hampshire, manages nearly 1,900 Scheduling Considerations
miles of transmission line rights-of-way in Connecticut,
Whenever possible, NU makes reasonable efforts to coordinate
Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Where transmission lines
the schedule of construction-related activities around the growing
span agricultural lands, NU works closely with property owners
and harvest seasons to minimize the impacts on agricultural
to protect their farmland while maintaining the right-of-way
operations. When this is not possible, NU pursues reasonable
for utility transmission and distribution uses. On NU-owned
measures to mitigate any impacts.
property, we also consider licensing portions of our property
to farmers for agricultural or other purposes.
Restoration of Disturbed or Compacted Soils
NU recognizes that disturbed soils, or soils compacted by heavy
construction equipment, may affect the soil’s ability to support
As NU improves its transmission system to better serve certain agricultural activities. NU takes reasonable steps to
customers, we may need to temporarily work in croplands and avoid or minimize soil compaction, and will restore soils that
pasturelands located within rights-of-way. In some instances, are compacted by construction equipment. NU also works with
this may affect ongoing agricultural activities in and around affected landowners to determine the appropriate method for
the rights-of-way. While easement agreements typically restoring the soils, and is open to discussing and implementing
grant NU rights to clear vegetation that may interfere with the landowners’ alternative restoration suggestions.
construction, operation or maintenance of the transmission After a transmission system improvement is complete, NU
system, we are committed to being good neighbors and removes all construction-related equipment and debris from
partners. As such, when we undertake transmission system the right-of-way.
improvements, NU will work closely with landowners, licensees
and stakeholders to minimize agricultural impacts. Soil Preservation and Erosion Controls
NU will implement all required and other reasonable efforts
for soil preservation and erosion controls in compliance with all
applicable permits and good utility practices. These practices
are designed to minimize or eliminate potential adverse
Northeast Utilities makes reasonable environmental effects that may result from construction
activities. Examples of these mitigation measures include
efforts to coordinate the schedule of the use of hay bales and silt fences.
construction-related activities around continued >
the growing and harvest seasons.
MMP D&M Plan Appendix E: Page 5 of 14
NU will implement all required and other reasonable
efforts for soil preservation and erosion controls.
Excess Soil Removal
After the installation of a transmission system structure is
complete, soil material that was excavated to enable the structure
installation will be used as backfill. The remaining excavated
sub-surface soils will be removed from the site unless otherwise
requested by the landowner.
Right-of-Way Restoration
After construction is complete, NU, through its contractors,
is responsible for importing clean fill to ensure that cropland
or pastureland is restored. NU works with landowners to
determine an appropriate method for restoring the surface
soils, including the appropriate seed mix, to restore
pasturelands to their pre-construction condition.
Addressing Damage to Property or Other Losses
NU works closely with landowners to develop and implement
construction and maintenance methods that minimize or prevent
property damage or other losses that may occur as a result of
these activities. If a landowner believes that transmission system
improvements have caused property damage or other losses,
the owner should contact his or her NU project representative,
account executive or customer service representative by calling
800.286.2000 (860.947.2000 in the Hartford/Meriden area).
NU will investigate the claim and the landowner will be advised
as soon as practicable as to NU’s position concerning the
acceptance or denial of a claim.
NU is committed to working with landowners before, during
and after transmission construction on transmission rights-
of-way. Our intent is to minimize or avoid any adverse
impacts or inconveniences during construction and/or
maintenance activities.
For More Information For more information, please contact Anthony (Tony) Johnson
at 860.665.3858 or johnsaw@nu.com.
Transmission Vegetation Management
Northeast Utilities
P.O. Box 270
Hartford, CT 06141-0270
www.NUrightsofway.com
Guideline G8-MT-006, Rev. 0, as referenced by NU Procedure: “Managing Rights-of-Way Impacts” March 2010 CD0310750
MMP D&M Plan Appendix E: Page 6 of 14
Connecticut Light & Power
Public Service of New Hampshire
Western Massachusetts Electric
NU’s general policy is not to grant
Laws in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire permission, written or verbal, for use of
generally provide that no person may operate an all-terrain all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles on
vehicle (ATV) or snowmobile on private property for recreational
purposes without the written permission of the landowner. transmission rights-of-way.
Northeast Utilities, through its operating companies,
Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P), Western Massachusetts CL&P and WMECO’s general policy is not to grant permission,
Electric (WMECO) and Public Service of New Hampshire written or verbal, for use of transmission rights-of-way by persons
(PSNH), manages nearly 1,900 miles of transmission rights- on ATVs and snowmobiles. Our rights-of-way are marked and,
of-way throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and New where practicable, gates, fences and barricades are maintained
Hampshire. The overwhelming majority of these rights-of-way to prevent access.
are established through easement rights purchased from
PSNH’s general policy is not to grant permission for use of
owners of the underlying land.
ATVs on transmission rights-of-way on land it owns. However,
where PSNH owns only an easement and is not the underlying
landowner, it may enter into agreements or relationships with
the landowner who may allow use by organized ATV clubs, or
trails designated as ATV trails by the New Hampshire Bureau
of Trails.
As part of New Hampshire’s statewide snowmobile trail system,
PSNH has entered into an agreement with the New Hampshire
Bureau of Trails to generally allow snowmobile use where PSNH
is the landowner. Use of the property by persons on snowmobiles
is only granted under the terms of this agreement and renewed on
an annual basis.
For More Information Connecticut & Massachusetts email: ROWInquiry@nu.com
New Hampshire email: NHROWInquiry@nu.com
Guideline G7-EN-001, Rev. 0, as referenced by NU Procedure: “Restrictions on ATV and Snowmobile Use in Transmission Rights-of-Way” March 2010 CD0310750
MMP D&M Plan Appendix E: Page 7 of 14
Maintenance
The safe and reliable operation of our electric transmission
system requires NU to control and remove certain plant
The vegetation management program for the Northeast species from power line rights-of-way. To do this, NU uses
Utilities (NU) companies is focused on controlling herbicides as part of its ongoing maintenance programs.
vegetation within transmission rights-of-way to support
the safe and reliable operation of the electric transmission Vegetation maintenance on rights-of-way is typically
system. Maintenance work under the program includes the conducted once every four years, when targeted vegetation
use of federally approved, state-registered herbicides by state- usually attains heights that require control.
licensed applicators in a carefully prescribed and targeted NU adheres to all local, state and federal regulations pertaining
way specifically to control undesirable vegetation. to the use of herbicides. This includes the preparation and
submission of a detailed application plan, which is reviewed
NU is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection and approved by the respective state authority and then
Agency’s (EPA) “Pesticide Environmental Stewardship followed by NU and its applicators. These regulations require
Program,” which is committed to the proper management maintaining specific distances from public and private wells,
of right-of-way vegetation programs and to reducing risks water supply areas, wetlands and standing water.
with pesticide applications.
NU employs state certified and licensed contractors for
NU’s vegetation management strategies have been recognized herbicide application. These contractors must undergo regular
by state agencies and the EPA, which in 2003 named NU as recertification training covering many aspects of vegetation
the first electric utility to receive its Champion Award under control, including laws and regulations, new materials,
the “Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program.” application methods and wildlife concerns.
A low-volume, low-pressure application method is employed
when herbicides are used, and application is made to the
individual stems of the targeted plants. NU vegetation
management experts select the herbicides to be used on power
Northeast Utilities adheres to all line rights-of-way. Both the products and the application
local, state and federal regulations methods are environmentally sound and provide the optimum
level of control of targeted plant species, while protecting and
pertaining to the use of herbicides. preserving the natural habitats on the rights-of-way.
continued >
MMP D&M Plan Appendix E: Page 9 of 14
The herbicides used by nu pose no adverse health threat
to wildlife or pets when used properly.
All herbicides currently selected for use by NU are registered
and approved for utility brush control purposes by the U.S.
EPA, as well as the Departments of Environmental Protection
or Agricultural Resources in Connecticut and Massachusetts,
respectively. The products have also been reviewed by
veterinarians who have determined that, when used in
accordance with label directions and by certified applicators,
the selected herbicides pose no adverse health threat to
wildlife or pets.
Property owners and occupants of dwellings adjacent to rights-
of-way are notified in advance of any scheduled right-of-way
maintenance that includes herbicide applications. In addition,
NU notifies municipal officials in Massachusetts and Connecticut
annually about work planned for the upcoming year.
Construction
NU strives to maintain the vegetation within transmission
rights-of-way in the most environmentally sensitive, community
friendly and economical way possible.
During construction clearing, herbicides are not used. Clearing
is handled in stages to accommodate specific construction
activities and with the ultimate aim of establishing a stable
low-growing grass, shrubland and wildflower community that
will provide the greatest potential for wildlife habitat, as well
as the safe and reliable operation of the electric system.
For More Information www.NUrightsofway.com or www.transmission-nu.com
Anthony (Tony) Johnson
johnsaw@nu.com
860.665.3858
Transmission Vegetation Management
Northeast Utilities, P.O. Box 270, Hartford, CT 06141-0270
Guideline G8-MT-002, Rev. 0, as referenced by NU Procedure: “Transmission Vegetation Management” March 2010 CD0310750
MMP D&M Plan Appendix E: Page 10 of 14
Connecticut Light & Power
Public Service of New Hampshire
Western Massachusetts Electric
Northeast Utilities (NU) manages nearly 1,900 miles of There are numerous shrub and tree species that are acceptable for
transmission rights-of-way in Connecticut, Massachusetts and planting within the “Wire and Peripheral Zones” (see diagram
New Hampshire. Building and maintaining a safe, reliable on reverse page) of a transmission right-of-way. In general,
transmission system that has a minimal impact on the environment low-growing shrubs, grasses, forbs (wildflowers), ferns and certain
is one of our key goals. That’s why we use best management low-growing tree species are allowed within the established
practices when clearing and maintaining vegetation in these right-of-way, with minor restrictions. To allow for inspection
rights-of-way. and maintenance of the transmission facilities, new plantings
should not be placed where they will obstruct existing access
roads or be within 10 feet of a structure or supporting wires.
As a property owner, you take great pride and enjoyment
in your home. However, some plant species may not The potential mature height of the tree species will dictate
be compatible with the construction, operation and whether or not a tree may be planted within the right-of-way.
maintenance of NU’s transmission system. Generally, trees with mature heights in excess of 30 feet may
not be planted anywhere within the right-of-way. Lower-growing
tree species, with mature heights less than 30 feet, may only be
Federal, regional and electric industry standards require minimum planted within the peripheral zones, which are the areas beyond
safety clearances to ensure that vegetation doesn’t come into the outermost conductors where the heights of vegetation are
contact with high-voltage overhead transmission lines. If the less of an issue. Only plant species with mature heights of 15 feet
vegetation located in the transmission rights-of-way is not or less are acceptable within the wire zone; low-growing shrubs,
compatible with the safe operation of the system, it can result forbs, ferns and grasses may be planted in any zone. Note that
in widespread electric power outages or unsafe conditions for each property is unique, and plantings may need to be evaluated
electric system workers and the public. on a case-by-case basis.
This handout is designed to assist in the selection of the correct When purchasing trees to plant on a transmission line right-
shrub and tree types that are acceptable to plant within or of-way over your property, please review the description that
along a transmission right-of-way. Please remember that this comes with the plant or check with a knowledgeable person
information is only a guide; any vegetation located within, or at the store for plant growth characteristics. Also, vegetation
along the immediate edge of, the right-of-way is planted at management specialists from NU are available to answer
your own risk. During emergencies it may be necessary to questions regarding planting within the right-of-way.
remove plantings that meet these guidelines so that NU can
access the transmission system and make repairs.
continued >
Shrubs, wildflowers, ferns and grasses
may be planted anywhere within the transmission corridor.
MMP D&M Plan Appendix E: Page 11 of 14
The Wire and Peripheral Zones
When evaluating whether or not a plant is suitable for the location, please refer to the diagram below.
The “Wire Zone” (in red) is the area under the transmission wires. The “Peripheral Zone” (in yellow)
is the area between the outer edge of the Wire Zone and the edge of the clearing. (Note: In some
cases, the edge of the clearing may also be the edge of the right-of-way.) Plantings in peripheral zones
may need to be removed if they become an issue for system reliability or safety.
For More Information www.NUrightsofway.com
Anthony (Tony) Johnson
johnsaw@nu.com
860.665.3858
Transmission Vegetation Management
Northeast Utilities, P.O. Box 270, Hartford, CT 06141-0270
Guideline G8-MT-003, Rev. 0, as referenced by NU Procedure: “Transmission Vegetation Management” March 2010 CD0310750
MMP D&M Plan Appendix E: Page 12 of 14
Connecticut Light & Power
Public Service of New Hampshire
Western Massachusetts Electric
Northeast Utilities (NU), through its electric operating companies, Restoring Access Roads and Work Areas
Connecticut Light & Power, Western Massachusetts Electric,
Construction and maintenance vehicles must be able to safely
and Public Service of New Hampshire, manages nearly 1,900
access each structure location. In the early stages of a new line’s
miles of transmission line rights-of-way (ROW) in Connecticut,
construction, gravel roads approximately 15 to 20 feet wide
Massachusetts and New Hampshire. During line maintenance
may be built to support the movement of large equipment and
and construction activities within these ROWs, NU will make
materials. Level gravel work areas (“crane pads”) are also needed
reasonable efforts to avoid or minimize disturbances to a landowner’s
to stabilize equipment.
property including damage to trees, shrubs, lawns, and gardens,
as well as non-vegetation items such as walls and fences. However, When construction is complete, access roads may remain for
despite such efforts during these activities, some damage to private future maintenance of the transmission facilities within the
property may be unavoidable. If this occurs, NU will restore property ROW. Most crane pad areas will be removed and the area will
to its pre-construction condition in a manner that is compatible with be rehabilitated with topsoil and reseeded. Temporary erosion
NU’s operations and maintenance activities. This will take place controls, such as hay bales and silt fences, may need to remain
as soon as is reasonably possible following construction completion. in some areas to prevent soil erosion until the grass or other
vegetation regenerates.
Restoring Vegetation Areas
Addressing Damage to Property or Other Losses
When construction or maintenance is complete, disturbed
ROW areas will be restored. Erosion controls will also be removed, NU will attempt to minimize property damage or other losses
although some may need to remain until the area is stabilized that may occur as a result of construction and maintenance
or until removal is directed by a regulating authority. In activities. If a landowner believes that transmission system work
previously unlandscaped areas, native shrubs and ground cover has caused property damage or other losses, the owner should
will be allowed to grow. In areas that were previously covered contact his or her NU project representative, account executive
with grass, NU will restore the area to its pre-construction condition or customer service representative by calling 800.286.2000
with topsoil and seed. In some areas where visual impacts are (860.947.2000 in the Hartford/Meriden, CT, area). NU will
greatest, NU will replant trees and shrubs with vegetation that investigate the claim, and the landowner will be advised as
is compatible with the future operation and maintenance of soon as practicable concerning the response to the claim.
its transmission lines according to NU’s guideline entitled,
“Vegetation for Transmission Rights-of-Way” and as required
by state law and/or regulatory directive.
For More Information www.NUrightsofway.com
Anthony (Tony) Johnson
johnsaw@nu.com
860.665.3858
Transmission Vegetation Management
Northeast Utilities, P.O. Box 270, Hartford, CT 06141-0270
Guideline G8-MT-007, Rev. 0, as referenced by NU Procedure: “Managing Rights-of-Way Impacts” June 2010 CD0610300
MMP D&M Plan Appendix E: Page 13 of 14
