Electrical transmission lines in Montana: Mitigation of impacts to soil and biological sources
- Montana Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation, Helena, MT (United States)
In Montana, the routing and construction of large electrical transmission lines are regulated by the Montana Major Facility Siting Act. Under this act, impacts to resources are minimized through avoidance by routing, where possible, and by mitigating remaining impacts. Land disturbed by the construction of transmission lines considered in this paper ranges from 1681 acres for a 500-kV line across 156 miles of mountainous terrain to 11 acres for a 100-kV line across 27 miles of nearly level terrain. Line access accounts for most of the disturbance, especially when graded roads are built in mountainous terrain. Land disturbed by transmission line construction is susceptible to soil erosion and weed infestation. These problems are addressed through revegetation, erosion control, and herbicide application. Transmission lines can displace wildlife from critical habitats by disruptive construction activities or by improving human access to previously secure range. Wildlife impacts can be reduced by restricting construction periods and gating roads.
- OSTI ID:
- 56925
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9003298-; TRN: 95:000425-0019
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 5. Billings symposium on disturbed land rehabilitation, Billings, MT (United States), 25-30 Mar 1990; Other Information: PBD: 1990; Related Information: Is Part Of Fifth Billings symposium on disturbed land rehabilitation. Volume II: Hazardous waste management; wildlife; hydrology, drainages, erosion and wetlands; soils, minesoils and overburden; linear disturbances; oil and gas; PB: 397 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Draft Supplement to the Environmental Statement Fiscal Year 1976 Proposed Program : Facility Location Evaluation for Okanogan Area Service Study Area 75-6.
Draft Supplement to the Environmental Statement Fiscal Year 1977 Proposed Program : Facility Location Evaluation for Hot Springs-Bell 500-KV Line Study Area 76-6.