Q
What criteria is used to identify and evaluate potential line routes?
A
Line routes are developed by defining technically, economically and environmentally feasible segments with minimal adverse social and environmental impacts based upon:
- Maximizing the distance of the line to residences, businesses, public facilities, parks, cemeteries and communication towers
- Avoiding interference with center pivot irrigation systems
- Paralleling existing utilities, roads or railroads when practical, accounting for existing rights-of-way
- Avoiding wetlands, riparian areas, conservation lands and protected species and their habitats for both transmission line corridor and access for construction and maintenance
- Avoiding placing the line directly over tanks and oil, gas or water wells
- Maintaining a reasonable length with as few angles as possible to minimize costs
- Avoiding proximity to existing or permitted wind turbine installations
- Avoiding conflicts with airports and related airport infrastructure