Overview

Objective

The relationship between transmission and distribution (T&D) lines and the surrounding environment is complex and multifaceted. Many factors, such as regulations, public interest, equity and environmental justice (EEJ), mitigation and resource protection, need to be considered from the moment the power lines are planned until the infrastructure reaches end of life.

This research aims to identify effective EEJ, mitigation, and resource protection measures to alleviate the potential impacts of new and existing T&D lines and ensure resource protection during construction and maintenance. In particular:

• Evaluate T&D line siting models to inform the development of sufficient and robust alternatives that minimize impacts to important resources
• Develop leading management practices for resource protection during various phases of the line siting, construction, and maintenance process
• Evaluate and implement effective mitigation strategies to minimize and restore impacts from line construction and maintenance
• Evaluate the scale and options for mitigation of project impacts, including permittee-responsible mitigation, use of mitigation/conservation banks, and landscape-scale approaches to mitigation
• Reduce costs and minimize human health and ecological risks from utility poles across their life cycle
• Address regulatory and public concerns about utility poles
• Develop leading practices to incorporate equity and environmental justice measures into the full life cycle of power delivery infrastructure

Approach

Environmental Aspects of Line Siting and Construction:

This task develops guidance to minimize environmental impacts during T&D line siting and construction.

Environmental Aspects of Line Maintenance:

This task develops guidance to minimize environmental impacts throughout the service life of T&D lines.

Environmental Aspects of Poles:

This task performs studies and laboratory testing to address environmental concerns related to T&D line poles.

Research value

• Evaluates methods through which T&D line projects can be constructed and maintained while protecting environmental resources
• Evaluates environmental performance of wood pole preservatives
• Evaluates methods for preventing or mitigating and remediating environmental impacts from wood pole preservatives
• Improves operational, financial, environmental, and human health risks management of new and replacement poles, including non-wood alternatives
• Assesses the potential for T&D line projects to increase biodiversity and protect natural resources
• Provides data for utilities to avoid pitfalls and to inform the environmental permitting and review process
• Improves communications with internal stakeholders, including scientists, engineers, purchasing agents, and others
• Improves communications with external stake- holders, including regulators, policymakers, other researchers, the media, and the public

Research plans

Current long-term projects

2025 project