How does Progress Energy value property for easements along transmission lines?
Generally, Progress Energy pays fee value for its transmission rights of way, even though only easement rights are granted. A market study of comparable land sales is done to determine these fee values.
How does Progress Energy maintain transmission rights of way?
Maintaining the rights of way under Progress Energy transmission lines is essential for the reliable operation of the line and the safety of employees and the public. Progress Energy maintains rights of way by mowing or hand-cutting the entire right of way width every three years.
Trimming residential areas and street trees generally every two years. Some areas may be on a three-year cycle but two is more common.
"Danger tree" cutting on an average seven- to nine-year cycle. The cycle is specific to each line depending on the right-of-way width, the line voltage, type of line construction and type of easement. A "danger tree" is any tree outside of the right of way that, if it fell, could either come near the conductor or partially block the right of way. Progress Energy purchases the rights to address these danger trees when purchasing the right-of-way property. The right to cut a danger tree does not give Progress Energy the right to own or remove the danger tree from the area.
Herbicides are used on a very limited basis. The herbicide cycle is around five years. All herbicides are applied at low volumes with either a radiarc sprayer or backpack sprayer.
What are the allowable uses of rights of way under Progress Energy transmission lines?
Progress Energy understands that landowners want to use right-of-way land for many purposes. Our goal is to work with landowners to encourage uses that are safe for the public and our employees and do not interfere with the reliable operation of the line. Examples of permissible uses include, but are not limited to, agriculture, grazing, parking lots, temporary storage, entrance and exit crossings. We also support the co-location of gas pipelines, water lines and other facilities.
Who pays taxes on properties with an easement for a Progress Energy transmission line?
Easement rights only are negotiated for and acquired by Progress Energy. The property owner remains responsible for property taxes.
What are Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs)?
Progress Energy is committed to providing safe electric service for our customers and a safe working environment for our employees. Extremely low-frequency electric and magnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) are all around us - not just in power lines but also electrical wiring in buildings, electric motors and appliances, TVs, computers, etc. Numerous studies have been conducted in an attempt to discern the relationship, if any, between exposure to ELF-EMFs and human health. After decades of study, there has been no scientifically recognized consensus establishing a relationship. Some population or epidemiological studies have indicated that exposure to ELF-EMFs could pose, under some circumstances, a slightly elevated risk for developing certain types of disease; other studies have found no such correlation. Virtually all laboratory studies have failed to establish a link between ELF-EMF and disease. For information EMFs, visit the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' EMF Rapid Web site.
What happens to EMFs when two transmission lines are located in close proximity?
There are usually three phases (or wires) that make up a typical overhead transmission line. Phase lines are spaced so that air can act as insulation between them to prevent power loss. In addition, a certain level of separation is necessary for safety of workers who may have to repair the lines. When another line is located along the same corridor, the magnetic fields of each phase tend to be cancelled out by the magnetic fields of the adjacent line. The closer the lines are together, the more complete the cancellation. Additionally, the effects of magnetic fields dissipate with distance.
Why doesn't the company put the transmission lines underground?
While distribution lines that serve homes and businesses have been buried underground for decades, moving transmission lines - which carry much higher voltages - underground is a new technology, and a much more complex endeavor (see related question). In general, underground lines have more environmental impacts, cost more and take much longer to repair. That's why Progress Energy carefully evaluates each transmission project to determine if an underground solution is appropriate.
Won't underground lines be better for the environment?
In this case, out of sight isn't out of mind. Placing transmission lines underground requires extensive trenching and installation of vaults and duct banks. This construction typically has much greater environmental impact than installation of overhead transmission structures. Specifically, a 16-foot wide trench must be dug 6.5 feet deep to accommodate the line and prevent cave-ins during construction. In addition, manholes seven feet deep and 14 feet long are necessary every 2,000 feet for cable pulling and splicing. This extensive trenching has more impacts on natural resources, such as wetlands and wildlife habitat. In contrast, an overhead line can be built to span (and avoid directly impacting) many sensitive resources.
Wouldn't underground lines be more reliable?
While underground lines are protected from most interference from trees or limbs, they are still subject to faults. In our experience with underground distribution circuits, we have found that underground cables do deteriorate over time. And when a fault occurs, it is much more difficult to locate and fix. If a problem occurs in an underground transmission line, it could affect whole substations and thousands of customers for lengthy periods.
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