0054.00.AML-1045 App S Agricultural Impact Report

APPENDIX S
Serecon Valuations Inc.
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION .............................................................................. 2
TOWER DESIGN ..............................................................................................................................................................2
Conductor Span .....................................................................................................................................................3
Conductor Clearance .............................................................................................................................................4
Construction Schedule ...........................................................................................................................................4
DURING CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION............................................................................................................ 5
COMMUNICATIONS .........................................................................................................................................................6
CASH FLOW INTERRUPTIONS .............................................................................................................................................6
CULTIVATED CROPS AND SOIL ............................................................................................................................... 7
BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................................................7
Potential Impacts During Construction .................................................................................................................7
Potential Impacts During Operation ......................................................................................................................8
SPECIALIZED CROP ................................................................................................................................................. 9
BACKGROUND ................................................................................................................................................................9
Potential Impacts During Construction .................................................................................................................9
Potential Impacts During Ongoing Operations ....................................................................................................10
WEEDS ................................................................................................................................................................. 11
BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................................................................................11
Weed Control Act ................................................................................................................................................11
Potential Impacts During Construction ...............................................................................................................11
Potential Impacts During Operation ....................................................................................................................12
CROP DISEASE – OF SPECIAL CONCERN ................................................................................................................ 13
BACKGROUND – CLUBROOT ON CRUCIFERS .......................................................................................................................13
EQUIPMENT HAZARDS ......................................................................................................................................... 15
BACKGROUND – FARM EQUIPMENT DIMENSIONS ...............................................................................................................15
AERIAL SPRAYING ................................................................................................................................................ 17
BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................................................................................17
GROUND SPRAYING ............................................................................................................................................. 20
BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................................................................................20
SPOT SPRAYING ................................................................................................................................................... 21
BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................................................................................21
IRRIGATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 23
BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................................................................................23
Center-Pivot Systems ...........................................................................................................................................23
Wheel-Move Systems ..........................................................................................................................................24
Lateral Pivot Systems ...........................................................................................................................................24
Hand-Move Irrigation ..........................................................................................................................................25
Flood Irrigation ....................................................................................................................................................25
OVERLAPPING ...................................................................................................................................................... 31
BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................................................................................31
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS .......................................................................................................................... 33
BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................................................................................33
LIVESTOCK ........................................................................................................................................................... 34
BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................................................................................34
RANGE – CATTLE/SHEEP ................................................................................................................................................34
DAIRY CATTLE ..............................................................................................................................................................34
FREE RANGE POULTRY, HOUSED POULTRY, PHEASANTS, DUCKS AND GEESE ............................................................................35
HOG OPERATIONS ........................................................................................................................................................35
CERVIDS (DEER AND ELK)...............................................................................................................................................36
BISON ........................................................................................................................................................................36
FEEDLOTS (CATTLE).......................................................................................................................................................36
SPECIALTY LIVESTOCK ....................................................................................................................................................37
EXISTING AND POTENTIAL FARM YARDSITES ....................................................................................................... 38
POTENTIAL IMPACT – EXISTING YARDSITE ..........................................................................................................................38
POTENTIAL IMPACT – FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW YARDSITES ........................................................................................39
Appendix A – AltaLink Clubroot Mitigation Procedure

Appendix B – Location of Irrigation Licenses and Districts & Summary of Irrigation Methods within the Districts
Future high voltage, 240 kV and 500 kV, overhead transmission lines will cross land
being utilized for a variety of agricultural purposes. The uses will vary from
cultivated land for annual crop production; perennial forage production for livestock
feed or for export; speciality crops such as potatoes, vegetables, and seed production;
and grazing lands that are either cultivated or native grass. As well there are a variety
of farm types: cow/calf operations, dairy operations, poultry operations, hog
operations, apiaries, specialty livestock (deer, elk, bison) operations and tree farms
along the projected routes. There will be both dryland and irrigated lands potentially
impacted.
Due to the fact that the majority of the proposed transmission lines
will cross lands utilized for agricultural purposes, it is important to
fully understand the potential impact they could have on the farm
operations for these different types of farms. At hearings before the
Alberta Energy Utilities Board (AEUB), and now the Alberta Utilities
Commission (AUC), landowners have expressed concern about how
transmission lines will affect a variety of farm operations from using
GPS, to weed control, to aerial spraying, to radio interference, to high
clearance equipment, to animal behaviour, etc.
Based on the concerns raised, AltaLink Management Ltd. (AltaLink)

is interested in determining the potential impact overhead
transmission lines may have on the various agricultural operations and
types of farms they will encounter along the proposed routes, and how
to best mitigate these potential impacts.
The objective of this study is to determine the potential impacts high voltage
transmission lines could have on the various farming operations and activities that can
occur, and to determine mitigation steps to address each type of potential impact.
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) on crops and livestock are not part of this report.
In many cases, the potential impacts of transmission lines on agricultural operations

identified in this report will be addressed by the corresponding mitigation measures
outlined. Compensation for impacts not fully addressed by mitigation are not included
in this report.
This study covering potential agricultural impacts from high voltage transmission
lines has been completed by Serecon Valuations Inc., Edmonton and Calgary offices.
Introduction Page 1
Potential impacts from high voltage transmission lines crossing any form of
agricultural land might occur during the construction phase, or during the on-going
operation of the transmission line. Each phase is considered separately throughout this
report.
Farming around transmission towers and under conductors, on an ongoing basis, can
potentially impact income (loss of use) and costs of production on the balance of the
field (adverse effects).
The potential impacts of a transmission line on agricultural land

can be divided into the tangible impacts that are more easily
quantified, and the intangible impacts such as nuisances that may
be important to a landowner, but are more difficult to quantify.
The tangible impacts transmission lines have on agricultural land

are a result of the design and placement of the individual
transmission towers, and the height and location of the overhead
conductors. The design of the towers affects the footprint, the
foundation requirements, and ultimately the land lost for crop
production. The location of the towers on agricultural land
typically can be of greater concern than the size of the tower
footprint. The potential impact of land lost for crop production
and the location of towers on agricultural land is discussed in
detail later in this report.
Tower design varies with voltage, the number of conductors

and whether it is an AC or DC transmission line. The tower
design and transmission lines addressed in this report are high
voltage, 240 kV and 500 kV, lines.
A typical new 240 kV tower is illustrated in the picture to the

right. 240 kV and 500 kV towers are of a similar size being
about 45 – 60 m tall, typically spaced about 350 m, and with a
tower footprint of 100 m2 up to 150 m2.
Electric Transmission Lines Design and Construction Page 2

While the tower design and transmission lines may appear identical, the size of
different types of towers varies. Figure 1 details three different tower locations on a
transmission line.
C C
B
A = Tangent
B = Light / Medium Angle
A
C = Heavy / Dead-end Angle
A
Tangent towers, depending on soil conditions, may be constructed on pilings or on

excavated reinforced foundations which is more common. Typical pilings would be
one to three meters in diameter and six to ten meters in depth. The volume of soil and
subsoil removed for the foundations would typically exceed that removed for pilings.
Light / Medium Angle towers would be constructed similarly to the tangent towers,
although reinforced foundations would be more typical.
Heavy / Dead-end Angle towers require large foundations which can encompass the
entire tower footprint. The volume of soil and subsoil removed for the foundation
exceeds that of the other tower types, and varies with the depth of the foundation.
The topsoil is typically stripped prior to construction and is then utilized to restore the
area around the tower. Excavated subsoil is typically used as backfill or is hauled
away.
Typical tower footprints range between 100 m2 and 150 m2, although the initial
disturbed area for construction can be up to 160 m2.
The average distance between towers is typically 365 m on flat or gently undulating
agricultural land. Spans of this length result in approximately two to three towers per
quarter section. In rolling topography, both cultivated land or pasture land, the span
length varies to maintain conductor clearance. Figure 2 illustrates span length over a
variety of topographical features.

The Alberta Electrical Utility Code (AEUC), Third Edition, 2007, published by the
Safety Code Council, requires that clearance under transmission lines be provided for
all agricultural equipment up to 4.88 meters (16 feet) for 240 kV and 500 kV lines.
The AltaLink 240 kV and 500 kV lines in Alberta are designed to provide for
agricultural equipment 6.1 meters (20 feet) high. The height of agricultural equipment
is discussed in more detail in the section on Equipment Hazards.
After all planning and consultation is completed and all approvals are in place, the
construction of the transmission line can proceed. The typical process for construction
includes, but is not limited to, the following procedure:
 The entire line, including tower sites, is surveyed. Any potential to move
tower sites to accommodate landowner wishes is considered at this time.
 The tower site is prepared. Topsoil is stripped and temporarily stored away
from the construction area for post-construction restoration.
 The site preparation and tower foundation construction may involve the
development of an access trail to move heavy equipment for drilling,
excavating and pouring the tower foundation or piling.
 The foundation or pilings are excavated.
 The foundations or pilings are poured concrete. It takes about 30 days
for the concrete to cure properly before the towers can be assembled.
 The towers are erected.
 The conductors are installed.
 The topsoil is replaced around the tower base.
 On cultivated land, the soil is worked to alleviate compaction on trails.
On non-cultivated land, track depressions are leveled.
 The land reverts to use by the landowner.

Potential agricultural impacts from overhead transmission lines can be characterized

into two primary categories: potential impacts during construction and potential
impacts during the ongoing operation of the line after construction is complete.
The two categories will be analyzed in each of the various farming operations and/or
activities provided throughout the remainder of the report. The potential impact that
the transmission line may have on agriculture will be identified in the left-hand
column, while possible mitigation measures will be provided in the right-hand
column, across from the potential impact or issue.
Compensation can occur if mitigation does not completely address the potential
impact. Compensation is determined by provisions contained within an easement
agreement, or by a process set out in the Surface Rights Act. Compensation is to make
the landowner whole again by addressing any loss of use, adverse effects, or other
potential impacts resulting from the transmission line construction or on-going
operation.
The powerline company will need to traverse the right-of-way after construction is
completed on an infrequent basis. Potential impacts can be quantified at that time, or
can be included in an annual structure payment format. The typical ongoing
maintenance activities can be summarized as follows:
1. Aerial patrols – annual helicopter patrols are conducted, typically in the fall.
2. Ground patrols – these occur on a 5 to 7 year cycle, depending on land access,
and are typically conducted via a quad.
3. Repairs to facilities – repairs to a steel tower 500 kv or 240 kV line are
extremely infrequent. For the first 20 years nothing is anticipated. Outside of
an accident or some unusual weather event, a major repair or upgrade would
be approached similar to a new construction project. The powerline company
needs to discuss the project with landowners to determine their concerns. The
primary agricultural impact could be related to accessing the towers if heavy
equipment is required. But sometimes tower repairs are conducted via
helicopter, so no ground access impacts are created.
4. Tree maintenance – trees need to be removed or trimmed on a periodic and as
needed basis. Tree management may include herbicide applications.
Herbicide applications are only conducted with prior landowner approval.
There are a number of issues that do not necessarily relate specifically to either
construction or ongoing line operations. These are discussed below, followed by an
in-depth analysis of specific agricultural practices.
During Construction and Operation Page 5

Landowner consultation is a very important means to reduce potential farm impacts.

The landowner and the powerline company representative will meet well in advance
of construction. This allows the landowner the chance to voice concerns and explore
means to avoid or reduce potential impacts and inconveniences. Potential tower
locations will also be reviewed with an objective to minimize impacts on farming
operations.
Potential Issues Mitigation
Landowners, media and interest  Provide pro-active contact with
groups are frequently not well landowners and other interested parties
versed on the potential impacts of along potential right-of-way routes to
transmission lines. provide accurate information.
Landowners frequently spend  Company representatives must be very
considerable time familiarizing familiar with the transmission line
themselves with the potential parameters and be able to answer
impacts of transmission lines, but specific landowner questions, or find the
can get inaccurate information. answers.
If cash flow interruptions occur as a result of a transmission line, they will likely
occur during construction or shortly thereafter. Reduced income from lost acres,
severed acres and adverse effects on adjacent land is the basis for compensation by
utility companies. If landowners and the utility company cannot agree on the
appropriate compensation, there are provisions for the construction of the
transmission line to go ahead. If a negotiated compensation agreement cannot be
reached, the landowner’s or the utility company’s grievances can be taken to the
Alberta Surface Rights Board for resolution.
Potential Impact Mitigation
Negotiation or the more formal  When possible, use experienced land
procedures can take months to reach agents knowledgeable in the
resolution. In the interim, the agricultural commodities produced by
landowner’s income might be the landowner to be able to assess the
reduced, which in the case of landowner’s claims or loss, and prepare
irrigated specialty crops, could be a cost to cure estimate.
fairly significant.  Landowners enter into either a
negotiated easement agreement, or a
Out-of-pocket costs, such as legal
Surface Rights Consent Compensation
and consulting fees may also be
incurred in the course of easement Order. These instruments will provide a
negotiations or Surface Rights Board payment for loss of use, adverse effects
proceedings. and reasonable out-of-pocket costs,
within a short time frame. Therefore, by
following proper procedures, most cash
flow interruptions are mitigated.
 Where the parties cannot come to an
agreement, the utility company can
obtain a Right of Entry Order, but must
pay the landowner at least 80% of the
Last Written Offer before going onto
the land. The appropriate compensation
will then be determined at a hearing
before the Surface Rights Board.
 The landowner’s reasonable legal and
expert costs are normally payable by
the utility company.
During Construction and Operation Page 6

Overhead transmission lines can potentially have impacts on all types of cultivated
crops. Several potential impacts are specific to certain crops while other, more general
impacts may occur regardless of crop type. These broader potential impacts on
cultivated crops and soils will be discussed below and the more specific potential
impacts will be covered in the subsequent sections.
As previously discussed, the potential impacts are divided into impacts during
construction as well as impacts during ongoing operations. Many potential impacts
overlap into both categories. As a result, the section on the Potential Impacts During
Construction will include potential impacts that are experienced during the
construction of the transmission line, and some that might continue on into the
operations phase. Potential impacts during the operations phase will not include any
that occur during the construction phase.

Disturbed ground promotes  Minimize soil disturbance resulting from
weeds and invader species. construction of the tower and conductors by
keeping to designated access trails on the right-
of-way or for access to the right-of-way.
 Schedule construction on frozen or dry ground
where possible.
 If required, re-seed disturbed areas with
landowner approval.
 More discussion in Weeds section
Soil mixing at tower site.  Remove excess subsoil from tower locations, or
by agreement, use as fill for landowner’s low
areas.
Dispose of excess subsoil  Disposal site, on or off property negotiated with
from pilings/ foundations. landowner.
Topsoil loss due to erosion  Install downslope silt fences.
by wind or water during  Control wind erosion in wind prone areas, and as
construction. necessary install windbreak fencing, ground
mulch, etc.
Soil compaction may be a  Stay on designated access trails.
problem (particularly on  Route access trail to avoid wet prone areas.
heavy clay soils when wet).  Implement a wet weather shutdown procedure.
 Complete post-construction restoration as
required: tillage of compact soil; subsoil (deep)
tillage; and leveling of depressional areas.
 Access wherever possible under dry or frozen
conditions; or utilize specialized wide track (flex
track) equipment or access matting.
 Topsoil stripped separately and stored from
subsoil.
Cultivated Crops and Soil Page 7


Crop loss – reduced acres due to  Plan construction to avoid crop season
right-of-way traffic and the area when possible.
required to construct towers.  Compensate landowners in first year
payment for crop loss when mitigation
does not cover all potential impacts.
Interference with field operations  Schedule construction and major
with increased expense and crop loss repairs for non-crop season when
(adverse effects). possible.
 Compensate landowner in first year
payment for adverse effects when
mitigation does not cover all potential
impacts.
Severance – land not in the right-of-  Address crop loss acres and
way, but land to which access is compensate if loss is not mitigated.
hindered by construction.  Control weeds or seed temporary
cover crop (i.e., oats or fall rye) to
prevent weeds and erosion.
Required access trails may cause  Regrade, reseed and construct silt
erosion. fences, windbreak fencing and other
erosion control structures as
necessary.
Forced changes to cultivation  Plan transmission lines where possible
patterns, or severance not practical to to avoid crossing fields – route lines
farm in isolation. along section or quarter lines.

Forced changes to on-going  Compensate landowners annually for
cultivation patterns. income losses and adverse effects.
 More discussion in Overlapping
section.
Potential impact during maintenance  Schedule routine maintenance to avoid
and repair of the line, resulting in crop season.
crop damage.  Compensate landowner when not able
to avoid crop season.
Increase trampling with some crop  Compensate landowner for crop and
loss may occur if headlands not possible grade loss in annual structure
increased. payment.
 See Overlapping section.
Cultivated Crops and Soil Page 8

Specialty crops such as potatoes, vegetables, sugar, beets, forage seed operations and
tree farms, etc., may experience additional potential impacts that could cause further
disruptions to farming practices beyond the general impacts that may affect common
crops. The transmission line may potentially have a greater affect on specialty crops
because of field patterns (i.e., row crops).
Dryland Crop
Row crops – potatoes and other
vegetable crops
 Loss of potentially cropable  Discuss tower locations with
acres. For example, potato and landowner.
bean harvesters are long and  Locate towers on field boundaries
require wide headlands on where possible.
which to turn to prevent crop  Compensate landowners based on
damage. Towers out in a field crop loss and adverse effect where the
may increase the acres which potential impact is not mitigated.
cannot be seeded due to this  Compensate landowner for weed
interference. control resulting from not being able
to seed in the tower footprint area.
 See Weeds section.
Forage crops for seed, for hay or for
silage
 Alfalfa seed production uses  If bee shelters need to be moved, they
leafcutter bees. Bee shelters should be moved on cool days or at
may have to be moved for night. The cost to move the shelters is
construction or maintenance the extra labour required.
operations. May also be  Ground metal parts of the bee shelter
susceptible to static discharge. to avoid static discharge.
 Ideal field harvesting patterns  Work with landowner to assist in
may be altered with some developing the best harvesting
trampling of swaths and a patterns so as to reduce potential
minor increase in time. impacts.
 See Irrigation section.
Specialized Crop Page 9


Tree farms and nurseries for
landscape planting
 Height restriction under the  In most situations, trees and other
transmission lines may prevent nursery stock are grown and moved
aerial application of pesticides prior to reaching heights sufficient to
on the right-of-way. Ground interfere with a typical 240 kV or 500
application may not always be kV line.
possible.  Relocate tall growing tree species to
an alternate site if possible and
compensate landowner for costs.
 Select and plant low growing species
in the right-of-way.
 If possible, avoid tree farms when
siting right-of-ways.
 See Spraying sections for further
discussion.
 In rare situations, tall tree farm  In consultation with the landowner, a
stock may need to be located site specific mitigation or
away from a potential right-of- compensation plan can be developed.
way.
 Working under the transmission  Equipment operating under the line
line might be a problem must observe minimum clearance
depending on the situation; e.g. distances (see Equipment Hazards
digging and removing tall tree section).
stock.  If aerial spraying is utilized, it may be
impacted (see Aerial Spray section).
Irrigated crops  See Overlapping section.
Specialized Crop Page 10

The introduction of weeds can potentially occur during the construction or

maintenance of a power line. Soil containing weed seeds and rhizomes can be
transported on equipment and trucks.
Weeds are governed by the Alberta Weed Control Act S.A. 2008, Chapter W-5.1, and
the attendant regulations.
The new weed act was assented to as at June 17, 2010. It stipulates control for
noxious and prohibited noxious weeds. Weed inspectors can be appointed by local
authorities (municipalities) or by the Province. Weed control is a very important
component of powerline construction and on-going maintenance, and has to be
carefully attended to.

 Weeds can be spread by soil on  Prior to moving equipment along the
equipment. right-of-way in order to have a base
 Disturbed land will favour weed line of all weeds in existence prior to
growth. the construction of the transmission
 Weeds can be introduced via re- line, conduct a detailed right-of-way
seeding activities around the tower weed survey of existing weeds.
or on the right-of-way.  Have environmental inspection/
monitoring of the project.
 Equipment must be clean of soil or
plant material prior to exit or entry
from one field to another.
 Re-seed area under tower with
landowner specification/approval of
seed mix.
 Use only seed mixes of high purity.
 Control weeds during the construction
period and one or more years post-
construction, utilizing mechanical or
herbicide methods as appropriate for
the site conditions.
 Native pasture, natural re-seeding
may be appropriate, with
supplemental weed control as
necessary.
 Control or eliminate weeds as
necessary, utilizing an established
weed control program and with
landowner agreement, select the
proper seed and herbicide
applications.
Weeds Page 11

Concern over who is responsible to  Have the responsibility and timing
control weeds once construction, etc. clearly spelled out in right-of-way
is completed, and when best to do agreement.
this.  The powerline company is responsible
for weed control during construction,
cleanup and site restoration.
 The landowner is responsible for
ongoing weed control once post-
construction restoration is complete.
Introduced different species can take  Use only similar native or cultivated
over a native pasture. species with high purity and with
landowner approval.
Weeds Page 12
Clubroot is a serious soil borne disease affecting canola and other crucifer crops such
as mustard, broccoli, cabbage, etc. Yield losses of up to 50% can occur in seriously
infected fields and there is no cure, although there are now some resistant canola
varieties on the market. Once a field is infected, the only existing management tool is
an absence of canola and other crucifer crops for an extended period of time, or the
use of resistant varieties.
Clubroot is soil borne, thus any activity which transports soil and/or crop debris or
seed from one field to another has the capability of spreading the disease.
AltaLink has developed a Clubroot Mitigation Procedure.

A new infection of clubroot could  Conduct a right-of-way survey to identify
be as a result of recent existing weeds and any clubroot infection
construction and the resultant prior to entry onto the property. Consult
equipment or vehicular traffic. with the landowners, Municipal
Agricultural fieldmen and Alberta
Agriculture and Rural Development
personnel.
The operator or their agent must  Follow an equipment sanitation program
prevent the spread of clubroot by to decontaminate equipment. Equipment
their construction or maintenance cleaning includes:
activities.  physically removing soil and plant
debris from equipment before
moving it onto a new property,
and/or
 steam cleaning
 high pressure air, and/or
 compressed air
Each of these procedures have potential
issues, so adherence to the AltaLink
Clubroot Mitigation Procedure is
essential. (See Appendix).
Negotiating with landowners on  Utilize the AltaLink Clubroot Mitigation
“Clean Clubroot Free Land” may Procedure with the above procedures to
become more difficult and costly be followed.
as landowners insist on strategies
to prevent the spread of clubroot
onto their land.
Crop Disease – of Special Concern Page 13


The landowners crop program and  Do everything possible to prevent the
income stream will be affected if their introduction of clubroot by being pro-
property becomes infected with active, very careful, and by following
clubroot. the proper procedures.
 Compensate for yield/income loss
should an infestation occur.
Crop Disease – of Special Concern Page 14

Farm equipment is getting wider and higher, and poses a risk of contacting a tower or
a conductor. There could also be arcing if the distance to the conductor is close, but
not touching. The AEUC specifies that clearance be provided for agricultural
equipment 4.88 meters (16 feet) in height for 240 kV and 500 kV lines.
The AltaLink 240 kV and 500 kV lines in Alberta are designed to provide for
agricultural equipment 6.1 meters (20 feet) high.
The risk of making contact with a conductor or approaching it closely enough to

induce arcing can occur if equipment is higher than 4.3 meters (14 feet). During
seeding and harvesting, the risk is increased because farm equipment operators are
typically in a rush, can be inexperienced, are often tired and can overlook normal
safety precautions. This risk can be increased in dusty conditions or when operating at
night.
There are no width restrictions on farm equipment for field operations; however
typical farm equipment ranges from 15 to 100 feet (4.5 m to 30.5 m) in width, with
sprayers as wide as 120 feet (36.5 m). Also, there are no height restrictions on farm
equipment. Some of the equipment which can pose problems with transmission lines
due to their height are:
 combines with and without antennas – 13’ to 16’ (4 to 5 m)
 combines with hopper extensions – 16’ (5 m)
 tractors with antennas – 16’ (5 m)
Other agricultural equipment that can be higher during transportation or when

dumping include:
 sprayers in transport mode or on trailers – 15 ½’ (4.5 m)
 cultivators in transport mode – 20’ (6.1 m)
 silage dump wagons (Jiffy dump) – 20’ to 23’ (6 to 7 m)
 augers (transport) – 15’ to 25’ (4.5 to 7.6 m)
 trucks with box up, i.e., end dump – 36’ to 38’ (11 to 11.6 m)
Also, in addition to width and height, the length of some combinations of machinery
can be up to 100 feet (30 m). Some of these, such as 60 foot wide (or wider) air drills
also have a tow-between tank that impacts visibility and does not allow the operator a
clear line of sight to the end of the machinery.
Often the use of heavy harrows combined with the speed of travel creates dusty
conditions, thereby increasing the potential for problems to occur.
Timing is almost always critical, so any slow-down, or increased operational time can
have a negative effect on the crop growth and maturity.
Equipment Hazards Page 15


Collision hazards
 Increases during night time  Provide reflector markers to identify
operations. towers at night.
 Increases with wider equipment  Increase seeded down footprint area 3
and faster ground speeds m outside tower base to reduce
(spraying and harrowing). collisions. Increases annual structure
 Increases with high clearance payment for additional crop loss.
sprayers and Jiffy-dump type  Where possible, plan transmission
silage wagons. lines to avoid crossing fields – route
 Aerial applicators. (see Aerial lines along section or quarter lines.
Spraying section).  Provide information on clearance
 Increases when operating in dusty requirements and permissible
conditions. equipment heights under 240 kV and
500 kV lines.
 Increase conductor heights in high
equipment movement areas where
possible.
 Where possible, locate or move field
access trails close to towers where
clearance is greatest.

Electrocution hazard  Provide awareness for landowners
 Increased equipment size has about the risk of being too close to the
increased equipment height. conductors, not just the risk of
contacting the conductor.
Collision hazards with towers because  Increase seeded down footprint area 3
of dusty conditions, night time m outside tower base to reduce
operations, length, width and height collisions. Increases annual structure
of machinery. payment for crop loss to cover the
losses incurred.
Working fields on an angle to the  This would be accounted for when
tower increases the area of impact estimating annual structure payment.
around a tower.
Equipment Hazards Page 16

Aerial applicators and chemical suppliers have indicated a slight upward trend in the
amount of acres sprayed by air on an annual basis. This is primarily due to advances
in technology and chemical science that has enhanced crop performance by means of
greater reduction in unwanted plants or weeds, insects and fungi, etc. Rising
commodity prices also encourage farmers to spray their crops more regularly, given
the expected higher returns. Overall, the application of herbicides by air has decreased
as more herbicides are sprayed by high clearance ground sprayers. However, this is
balanced by an increase in the aerial application of fungicides and insecticides,
especially for specialty crops.
Aerial spraying can occur nearly anywhere in the province where application is not
restricted by proximity to urban centers, bodies of water, or other physical or legal
factors preventing the ability to spray a crop.
Aerial spraying is important to many farmers for crop management including their
efforts to maximize crop productivity. Aerial spraying is often the preferred
application approach, especially as the crops mature, grow higher, and where yields
would be reduced if the crop was driven on. It is important that the entire crop in the
field is sprayed to ensure disease and pests do not destroy a portion of the crop, which
can often occur if the entire field of potatoes and canola is not sprayed.
Aerial spraying is more likely to occur on specialty crops since more chemicals are
required to produce a successful crop and are applied as the crop matures. Due to
minimal crop losses, less aerial spraying is likely to occur on non-specialty crops as
they are sprayed with high clearance ground sprayers more often than not. However,
aerial spraying is often the only possible way to spray crops when fields are too wet to
enter with ground sprayers.
A typical practice involves the spraying of specialty crops several times a year.
Specialty crop farmers usually prefer to use aerial spraying in order to obtain
maximum yields and returns since losses caused by trampling from ground sprayers
results in greater losses, especially with repeated sprayings. If crops are not properly
or effectively sprayed, the yield and quality of the crop will diminish, especially for
specialty crops.
Aerial applicators find it difficult to spray or dust crops when power lines and towers
exist. They must keep a safe distance away from the towers and must not fly under
the lines because of safety concerns, and prefer to fly parallel to the lines. Applicators
can often use wind directions to their advantage by drifting the spray under or near
the towers and lines. Premiums can be charged as a result of the additional time and
risk created by the transmission lines. However, even with all attempts, missed areas
can still occur. Sometimes the landowner will accept that the applicator cannot cover
the area because the transmission line prevents proper coverage, while other
landowners will not hire an applicator that will not ensure complete coverage.
Aerial applicators may decline service to farmers where their fields are close to
transmission lines because of the increased risks, added time or incomplete coverage.
This occurs most often when the lines are angled across the field or when multiple
lines exist. Applicators also avoid spraying during periods of flat sunlight, mainly at
sunrise and sunset, especially when transmission lines exist near the crop.
Aerial Spraying Page 17


A landowner may be unable to have  Communicate with landowner to
aerial spraying carried out during the determine when aerial spraying is
most desirable period due to likely to occur, then if possible, avoid
construction staff and equipment on being on the property during that
site. This could result in a potential time period.
impact on crop yield.  Compensate the landowner if this
were to occur.
Aerial spraying a field with a  Follow quarter lines or field
transmission line on or adjacent to it, boundaries with transmission lines
typically takes longer. where possible.
Applicators may decline service when  Avoid where possible, constructing
a transmission line runs at an angle lines at angles across fields, thereby
across a field, therefore, farmers may mitigating the problem as much as
be unable to hire an applicator possible.
resulting in no aerial spraying, thereby  Compensate the farmer for loss of
necessitating ground spraying. Either income and adverse effects.
of these could result in lower income
from the crop due to trampling or the
inability to effectively control weeds in
that location.

Weeds form in the missed areas and  The landowner is responsible for the
could reduce yields and lower the missed areas by way of ground
quality of the crop. The potential for spraying, but should be compensated
disease and pests to develop and for increased costs and reduced
multiply from the unsprayed area is revenues resulting there from.
increased which could lower the  The landowner may leave a large
productivity of the crop as a whole. buffer zone where the aerial applicator
is unable to spray the crop. This would
need to be included in the annual
structure payment as well.
A corner of a field may get ‘boxed in’  Ground spray the affected area.
by power lines when the transmission  The landowner is responsible for
line crosses another power line spraying the missed areas by way of
perpendicularly resulting in the ground spraying. The powerline
inability for an aerial applicator to company would then compensate
spray a portion of the field. them annually for doing so.
 Construct the transmission line as
The transmission line itself may box in
straight as possible and on the
a corner of a field due to a change in
property boundary where possible.
direction of the transmission line
which results in missed areas.


Aerial applicators sometimes charge a  Since the typical crop with power lines
premium where fields include, or are nearby takes an additional time to
adjacent to, transmission lines due to complete, a premium may be charged.
the increase in danger and time which Furthermore, the applicator is likely to
raises the applicators fuel costs and include a risk premium. Compensate the
lowers the acres sprayable per day. farmer for the premium rate they are
charged should be within the annual
structural payment if it is a repetitive
charge.
Spray drift, the responsibility of the  The landowner is responsible for
aerial applicator, is another potential spraying the missed areas by way of
impact from the transmission lines. ground spraying.
Aerial applicators need to go up and  Spray drift can result in the aerial
over the conductors to turn, thus the application not being able to spray
probability of drift is increased. some fields.
Contact with the transmission lines or  Install marker balls on transmission lines
towers can be fatal. where aerial crop spraying is typically
performed. Applicators indicate that the
conductors can be very difficult to see
but that the aerial marker balls are very
visible.

High clearance ground spraying has experienced growth in recent years across the
province, and is expected to continue to rise in popularity. Enhancements in
technology and chemical science have improved crop performance, thereby
increasing the frequency of spraying cultivated crops. Rising commodity prices also
encourages farmers to spray their crops more often, given the expected higher returns.
Custom (outsourced or third party) spraying has slowed recently due to the increase in
individual farmers spraying their crops with their own high clearance sprayers.
Farmers are spraying more often and cover more acres. Large investments are
necessary to purchase the machinery, and farmers will want to make their investment
worthwhile and as efficient as possible.
High clearance ground sprayers are able to avoid missed areas for the most part.
However, the issue of overlapping occurs which causes more chemicals to be used
and may therefore adversely affect growing crops.
Overlapping and manoeuvring around the towers also increases the time it takes to
spray a field, which can be a problem in those years where timing is crucial.
High clearance ground sprayers may come in contact with the towers when in a
normal spray pattern; or when the booms are taken in or out of the transport position,
they may contact the conductors. This process may lift the booms well above normal
operating heights and may strike the conductors or towers if the operator does not see
or remember their existence. (See Equipment Hazards section.)

The location of the towers causes spray  This additional cost will need to
overlap which cannot be avoided. This costs be compensated for in the
the applicator and thus the farmer more annual structure payment.
time and money.  See Overlapping section.
Excess chemicals may also damage the crop  Locate lines on quarter or section
in the areas of overlap. While the newer lines where possible.
high clearance spraying equipment are  Compensate for situations that
equipped with GPS, with sectional boom cannot be mitigated in the
controls, overlapping can still occur, but to annual structure payment.
a lesser extent. The crop yield and the  See Overlapping section.
overall quality of the crop may be affected.

An increase in completion time due to  Compensate the farmer for the
overlapping and maneuvering around the addition charge that may result
towers results in lower sprayable acres per for the additional time it takes to
day for the applicators. The additional costs complete the field in the annual
are typically passed on to the farmer. structure payment.
Ground Spraying Page 20

Spot spraying of specific weeds with a small portable sprayer (backpack, truck, quad)
along transmission lines is important to control and mitigate the spread of weeds. In
depth discussion on weeds can be viewed in the Weeds and Crop Disease sections.
Weed inventory levels can be measured and mapped out prior to construction and
then measured again upon completion of the line and after the spraying at completion
of construction. The weed inventory records can identify weeds that existed prior to
construction and analyze the success of the spraying program. The data collected can
also reduce disputes about whether a weed existed prior to construction of the line.

Spot spraying may not occur at the  When needed, utilize spot spraying for
optimal time because of construction weeds to minimize the risk of spray
interruption. Land owners are drift.
contacted prior to spraying and are  Make sure the spraying occurs at the
typically cooperative. Spraying is done correct time for best control.
by way of a truck or an ATV mounted
sprayer, if not on foot and it is
restricted to the right of way of the
transmission line. Drift from spot
spraying is rarely a complaint of the
farmer, if spraying is carefully carried
out.

Spot spraying near organic farms may  The landowners are responsible for
result in those crops being affected by spot spraying on an ongoing basis, and
the drift. If that happens, the farmer are compensated by way of the
would likely be forced to destroy the annual structure payment.
portion of the crop that is affected in  Spray only during periods of slight or
order to ensure the standards of the no winds.
organic crop and protect their  Do not spray close (minimum eight
reputation. Canadian and international metres) to organic crops without the
standards for organic production landowner’s permission.
recommend an 8 m buffer zone that  Consult the ‘Organic Production
must be managed by the organic Systems: General Principles and
farmer. Despite these standards, extra Management Standards’ (Canada) if
precaution should still be taken necessary.
around organic farms since the  Consult the ‘Organic Crop
standards are not followed by all Improvement Association
organic farmers and the standards International, Inc.: International
remain discretionary in its own Certification Standards’ if necessary.
recommendations and interpretations.
Spot Spraying Page 21


Spot spraying may be required by the  Use highly selective herbicides and
power company. refined application methods such as a
backpack, quad or hand-held sprayer,
and use only certified applicators.
 Inform the landowner and obtain their
agreement as to the chemical to be
used, and the application method.
Spot Spraying Page 22

Irrigation is an important component of many farming practices throughout Alberta.

The greatest amount of irrigation activity occurs in 13 irrigation districts in Southern
Alberta where more than 1.3 million acres were irrigated in 2008. In addition, over
2,700 private irrigation projects are authorized to use the province’s water resources
which have been applied to over a quarter of a million acres throughout the province.
Diagrams located in Appendix B identify the approximate location of private
irrigation licenses throughout Alberta, as well as the location of the irrigation districts
in Southern Alberta along with a summary of the types of irrigation methods used
within each district in 2008.
The existence of transmissions lines on irrigated land creates a number of concerns

for farmers. These are as follows:
 physical contact with transmission lines, particularly with hand-move
irrigation pipes that may become elevated during transport;
 existing irrigation systems may not be able to operate at their full intended
use;
 a portion of the field may not be covered by the irrigation;
 farmers are forced to go around the towers and may have to avoid irrigating
the land near transmission lines; and
 direct contact of the water with the transmission line could cause current
flows which might damage equipment or electrocute persons or animals.
However, this is highly unlikely as a continuous uninterrupted stream of water
would be required between the irrigation equipment and the conductors.
Center pivot systems consist of a single lateral structure with one end anchored to a
fixed pivot structure and the other end continuously moving around the pivot while
applying water. The water is supplied from the source to the lateral through the
central pivot. The lateral pipe with sprinklers is supported on drive units, which are
normally powered by hydraulic water drives or electric motors. Center pivot systems
have a low labour requirement and a high initial cost. They irrigate in a circular
fashion and those equipped with an end gun can irrigate parts of the corners of the
field. Topography should be uniform with slopes of not more than 10%.
Farmers in irrigation areas are replacing wheel-moves with center-pivot systems more
frequently. Pivots have become more affordable and the farmers experience many
advantages using pivot systems instead of wheel moves.
Pivot Span
End Gun
A-Frame
Tower
Irrigation Page 23
Drop Tube
Control
Panel
Sprinkler
Water
Intake Line
Pivot Pad
Side-roll wheel-move systems have large diameter wheels mounted on a pipeline,

enabling the line to be rolled as a unit to successive positions across the field. Crop
type is an important consideration for this system since the pipeline is roughly one
meter above the ground. These are both manual move and powered units.
Linear or lateral-move pivot systems are similar to center-pivot systems, except that
the lateral line and towers move in a continuous straight path across a rectangular
field. Water may be supplied by a flexible hose or pressurized from a concrete-lined
ditch along the field’s edge.
Irrigation Page 24
Hand-move sprinkler systems are a series of lightweight pipeline sections that are
moved manually for successive irrigations. Lateral pipelines are connected to a
mainline, which may be portable or buried. Hand-move systems are often used for
small, irregular areas. Hand-move systems are not suited to tall-growing field crops
due to difficulty in repositioning lateral pipelines. Labour requirements are higher
than for all other systems.
Flood irrigation systems divide the field into bays separated by parallel ridges/border
checks. Water flows down the fields slope as a sheet guided by ridges. On steeply
sloping lands, ridges are more closely spaced and may be curved to follow the
contour of the land. Border systems are suited to orchards and vineyards, and for
pastures, grain crops and some row crops.
The potential impacts on irrigation systems are affected by the existence of the line
and are essentially the same during construction and during the ongoing operation of
the transmission line. As a result, the following potential impacts have not been
separated into construction or operational impacts.
Irrigation Page 25

 Centre Pivot Systems
 The potential impact of a transmission line on  Construct the transmission lines at the edge of
the operation of a centre pivot system the field where possible, thereby greatly
depends on where on the property the tower reducing the disruption of irrigation practices.
is sited. An existing pivot system may be Doing so creates fewer disturbances for the
unable to irrigate an area of land if the farmer than what would occur if the power
location of the towers prevents the lines traversed across the interior of a field.
completion of a full circle by the centre pivot  Negotiate the location of the towers with the
system. If the line is along the border of the landowner to minimize the losses caused by
field, there will be minimal potential impacts the towers.
on the pivot system since the pivot may be  If the farmer irrigates the missed areas using a
capable of completing a full circle (Figure 1) or separate system, then compensate them
a small, pie-shaped area will be missed where annually for the added costs.
the pivot system is impeded by a tower  Compensate for the installation of a corner
(Figure 2). If a transmission line runs through arm to replace the last pivot span on an
a field, away from the border, an increased existing system where the transmission line
area of the field does not get irrigated (Figure prevents a full circle of the farmers’ current
3). Land that does not get irrigated results in system.
lower yields or no crops.  If the line has to cross a field, construct the
line near the centre point if possible in order
A transmission line on irrigated land also
to limit the amount of non-irrigable areas. The
reduces the area that the end gun can cover.
farmer can then establish another irrigation
Since the end gun needs to avoid contact with
system on the other side of the transmission
the conductors and the towers, it needs to be
line (two windshield, or one-half systems).
turned off at a safe distance or shoot below
the conductors at a safe distance. The end
gun covers a large area around the end point,
not just straight outwards. Without an end
gun, additional crop areas would not be
irrigated resulting in lower yields or no crops.
Missed
Area
Figure 3
Figure 1 Figure 2
Planned pivot systems would need to be  Compensate the farmer with a onetime
modified because of a proposed transmission payment for the cost of replanning or
line. modifying the pivot system.
Irrigation Page 26

The pivot system may contact a tower and  Assist in planning so the pivot system will not
cause damage to the irrigation equipment as contact the tower. Compensate by way of
well as the towers. corner arms as described above.
 Construct barriers around the towers to
ensure that a stray pivot does not damage the
towers.
The end gun spray may come in contact with  The farmer can alter the end gun so that water
the line and transfer electricity to the pivot from the end gun will not contact the line.
system and damage equipment. Provide compensation for the required
alteration.
The guidance pathway for a corner arm will  Compensate for the cost to reroute the
need to be reconfigured around the guidance pathway.
transmission line.
Many older pivots, including folding corner arm  Compensate for the lost revenue and added
systems, will be unable to add or reconfigure costs for irrigating the missed area.
corner arms.
Double corner arm pivots may be unable to  Avoid, where possible, the transmission line on
experience similar mitigation as single corner land that includes a double arm pivot.
arm systems. Double corner arms are more  Compensate by removing a pivot span from
expensive and a transmission line would have a the middle of the pivot system in order to
greater affect on this type of pivot system. shorten it while keeping the double arm
system intact.
 Complete the line planning to reroute the
corner arm’s guidance pathway so the support
trusses do not contact the line.
The support truss on the last pivot tower on the  Where possible, construct the transmission
corner arm, which supports the outer most line at a sufficient height to ensure that the
pipeline, sprinklers, and the end gun is high, up support truss will not contact the conductor.
to 22’ (6.7 m), and can be a concern when the
corner arm is travelling in close proximity to the
transmission line.
A pivot system may break down while under the  Contact should be made by the landowner to
transmission line. This typically results in the the powerline company. Once contacted, the
need for a picker truck, or a crane to lift the company will come out and determine the
pivot back into proper position for further best and safest method to repair the pivot
repair. It may not be possible to use a picker system.
truck or crane because of the overhead
conductors. Additional costs would be
experienced by the farmer.
Irrigation Page 27

Wheel-move Systems
A transmission line that runs parallel with the  Where possible, locate the transmission line
length of a wheel-line will create fewer along the quarter line, thereby lessening the
problems for farmers if it is located on the edge potential impact on most wheel move systems.
of the field. The irrigation line can be moved  Avoid, where possible, running the
along the field like normal until it gets to the transmission lines across the interior of fields
transmission line where several concerns arise. where wheel-lines already, or could
If the transmission line runs through the field potentially, exist.
away from the edge, the wheel-lines will need
to be separated and moved around the towers
in order to proceed with irrigating the
remainder of the crop. Depending on the
direction of the line, this could be done at
several stages throughout the irrigation
rotation, as the towers get in the way, it can
occur all at once where the entire wheel-line
approaches the towers. This creates the need to
disassemble and reassemble much of the line at
the same time. Either way, the result is a
significant inconvenience for the farmer.
A concern, when the wheel-line is near the  If an incident occurs, resulting from a
transmission lines, are blowouts by either the continuous stream of water contacting the
individual sprinklers or the hydrants which the conductors, the landowner should contact the
wheel-lines tap in to. The wheel-lines are often powerline company immediately. The operator
highly pressured and can shoot water to great will come out and determine the best way to
heights if a device were to break off or a leak resolve the issue.
occurs. The result could be an electrical current
transfers which could damage equipment or
electrocute persons or animals.
Lateral Pivot Systems
Lateral pivots experience many of the above  Determine, with the landowner, that the
concerns when dealing with transmission lines. lateral pivot system will not contact the line.
It may need to be shortened if the transmission  Construct barriers around the towers to
line is on the edge of the field at a right angle to ensure that a stray pivot does not damage the
the pivot system. If the transmission line was to towers.
run through the middle of the field the farmer  Compensate the farmer if there is the need to
would need two separate lateral pivot systems shorten the pivot system.
to irrigate his crops.
Irrigation Page 28

 The end gun is also an issue as it is with  Construct the transmission line at the fields
center pivot systems. Irrigated acres will be edge to minimize the amount of non-irrigable
lost because the water shot out by the end areas.
gun needs to be a safe distance from the  Coordinate the design of conductor and end
transmission lines. Acres will also be lost gun clearance, so the area under the
when a lateral pivot is approaching the line transmission line can be irrigated.
and towers when both are parallel to each  Compensate the farmer annually for the
other. The lateral pivot system will be unable missed area created.
to irrigate under the lines causing additional
missed areas. Land that does not get irrigated
results in lower yields or no crop.
 Hand-move Irrigation
 Irrigation by hand-move pipes is a diminishing  The hand-move system may be the only
practice but is still used by some farmers, reasonable solution where other irrigation
especially in smaller areas such as the corners systems have been potentially impacted. The
of the field with centre pivot systems, or farmer is responsible for irrigating the missed
other problem areas. The primary purpose of areas, so they should be compensated
hand-move irrigation by today’s farmers is to annually to do so.
irrigate the areas that the previous types of
systems missed. In doing so, the farmer can
manoeuvre the pipelines around the towers
with relatively little hassle. The entire crop
around the towers and under the lines can be
irrigated since the sprinklers spray well below
the transmission lines. Nonetheless, a
number of concerns arise when dealing with
hand-move pipelines around transmission
lines.
 One concern is the need to transport the  Awareness is essential. Install warning signs
pipes. There is a risk that the pipe can be and labels, and provide information on
hoisted vertically and come in contact with grounding irrigation equipment when near a
the transmission lines which may result in transmission line.
electrocution.
 Another concern is blowouts as discussed  If an incident occurs resulting from a
under wheel-move systems. While the continuous stream of water contacting the
distance from the ground level pipes to the conductors, the landowner should contact the
transmission lines are greater than that of powerline company immediately. The operator
wheel-lines, it is still a possibility that water or agent will come out and determine the best
from a blowout may come in contact with the way to resolve the issue.
conductors. The results would be similar to
the discussion under wheel-move systems.
 The possibility of nuisance shocks when  Provide farmers with ground conductors and
working with irrigation pipes near rods to install on irrigation pipes when working
transmission lines is an additional concern. near transmission lines.
While this type of shock is not considered  Compensate annually for increased costs.
dangerous, it is still a factor that a farmer may
have to deal with. It can increase time during
set-up and transport of the irrigation systems
which takes away from other farming
practices and can add costs to a farm
operation.
Irrigation Page 29

 Flood Irrigation
 Towers for the transmission lines could affect  Compensate the farmer with the annual
flood irrigation practices. Barriers may need structure payment for the lost area and
to be modified to move water around the nuisance factors caused by the towers.
towers which may create difficulties. Farmers
would need to take additional time and care
to make sure their irrigation system will work
properly. Rerouting water may create areas
for which crops would normally have grown,
resulting in a decreased total quantity than
would have normally been grown.
Irrigation Page 30
The need for farmers to work around the towers creates field inefficiencies due to
missed areas as well as overlapping which entails areas of multiple coverage. The
diagrams below illustrate the inefficiencies created.
A 240 kV tangent tower is considered to have a footprint of 100 to 144 m2 with a 3 m

buffer around the structure. The following figures illustrate a possible farming pattern
around the structure for the field edge and centre of field.
Tower
Tower
Cultivation
Pattern
Cultivation
Pattern
Field Edge Centre of Field
The potential impacts due to the overlapping resulting from the tower(s), is essentially
the same during construction and during the ongoing operation of the transmission
line. As a result, the following potential impacts have not been separated into
construction or operational impacts. More overlapping may be necessary during the
construction period due to the larger area required for construction.
The extra turns for the tower located in the centre of the field can vary, depending on
the width and length of the machinery, and where in the field pattern the tower is
located.
Overlapping Page 31

Equipment operating costs increase  Constructing the towers at the edge of the field creates less
due to the additional distance inefficiencies for the farmer. The diagram below illustrates
traveled as well as input cost the reduced amount of overlapping and missed areas that
increases. Maneuvering around the occurs when the tower is along the border of the land.
towers can create double to sextuple Tower
coverage and missed areas of
coverage that result in crop loss,
revenue loss, and additional
expenditures including weed control. Cultivation
Pattern
Green – one direction Yellow – other direction
The image below illustrates that the towers are not quite at
the edge of the field. Additional lost area is created because
farm equipment is unable to travel between the towers and
the property line. The lost area and the amount of
overlapping would be reduced if the towers were on the
property line.
 If the towers cannot be along the property line, then place

the towers at a distance away from the property line
sufficient to ensure minimal missed areas and overlapping
since machinery would be able to pass through this area.
There are no width restrictions on farm equipment for field
operations; however typical farm equipment ranges from
15 to 100 feet in width, with sprayers as wide as 120 feet.
Constructing the towers at a distance of 150 feet (46
meters) away from the property line would be reasonable
for most farm equipment, although additional distance may
be added as a precautionary measure.
 The farmer is compensated with an annual structure
payment for lost revenue and additional expenses as a
result of the overlapping and missed areas.
 Negotiate with the landowners on where the most efficient
place is in the field for the tower locations.
Overlapping Page 32
Global Positioning Systems (GPS), combined with Auto Steer Systems, are
increasingly becoming a popular tool to enhance the efficiency of field operations.
They are very common on high clearance sprayers and are increasing in popularity on
heavy harrows, cultivation and seeding equipment, swathers and combines. The GPS
prevents overlapping, resulting in less soil compaction and less duplication of seed,
fertilizer and pesticides. GPS can also reduce collisions with permanent obstructions,
such as transmission towers in fields. The experience of transmission line owners is
that GPS systems are typically not impacted by transmission lines.
In the unlikely event that the Electric and Magnetic Field (EMF) of transmission lines
disorient the GPS, resulting in inaccurate GPS guidance output, the possibility of
collision with towers or other obstructions, or inaccurate field operations, is possible.

Poor field patterns or collision with  Contact a powerline company
stationary obstacles resulting from representative. The company will
the unlikely event that EMF or tower analyze the situation and if it is related
interference disorients GPS to the transmission line, the company
receivers. should determine and carry out a
technical solution.
The definitive potential impact of  While there are no documented
transmission lines on GPS guidance incidents of GPS interference, testing
systems for tractors, sprayers, would be done by the powerline
combines, etc., has not been company or their representative in
determined. response to concerns raised. Knowledge
should be shared with industry
stakeholders.
Global Positioning Systems Page 33

The potential impact of 240 kV and 500 kV transmission lines on livestock operations
varies with the species of livestock and the nature of their confinement. For example,
the problems posed by the transmission lines for ranchers with cattle on native pasture
are entirely different for free range chicken or turkey producers. In this section we
categorize livestock into groups and detail the possible potential impacts a
transmission line may have during construction and on-going operations, and possible
ways to mitigate these impacts.

Gates left open or fences taken down  Close gates at all times.
during construction, repair, and  Move cattle/sheep/bison, elk, if
inspections. This can apply to any alternate pasture is available.
pasture situation.  Temporary fence off right-of-way.
Provide or compensate for movable
electric fencing in order to keep
livestock away from the construction.
 Install cattle guards (Texas gates) if
necessary.
Electrical induction onto metallic  Test for and ground metallic objects,
objects such as waterers or feed buildings and fences (including electric
bunks, buildings or fences within 200 fences) etc. where required.
m (656’) of a transmission line might
possibly be a nuisance.
Objects more than 200 m (656’) from
the transmission line would not
experience effects from the
transmission line.
Cattle spooked due to fly-over  Increase height of fly-over if cattle in
inspections. close proximity or on right-of-way.
Transmission towers and other  Install low level cattle guards or fences
infield structures attract cattle, around the towers.
resulting in overgrazing/trampling
that increases the likelihood of
erosion.
Reduced grazing available during  Keep gates closed.
construction.

Stray voltage in dairy barn and yard  Involve electric distribution company to
with possible lower milk production. test off-farm connections, and a
electrician to test on-farm electrical
connections. Ground or unground as
necessary.
Pastures used by dairy cattle.  See Section on Range Cattle/Sheep.
Livestock Page 34

Free range birds can panic due to  Define a restricted no fly zone with
noise from a plane/helicopter on an ground inspections or increased flight
inspection flyover. elevation.
Possible introduction of disease Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
during construction and repair. Biosecurity Programs are developed by
livestock owners following advice from
CFIA. Most biosecurity program issues will
not apply to utility companies, however
some will. The following suggestions will
help address the issues faced when dealing
with confinement livestock operations.
 Follow CFIA’s recommended bio-
security protocol for the farm before
entering premise.
 Arrange to meet landowner on an off-
site for the first meeting to discuss the
farm’s biosecurity requirement.
 Adhere to the farm’s biosecurity
program.
 When possible, limit visits to similar
production facilities, e.g., swine or
poultry production to one per day.
 Discuss with the owner the proper
procedure to follow for machinery and
equipment that could come in contact
with the high risk portion of the
yardsite.
 Keep a log and record all visits by staff
and contractors to intensive livestock
facilities and record any precautions
taken to avoid disease transmission to
other facilities.

Possible introduction of disease Follow the Biosecurity Program as outlined
during construction and repair. under the Poultry, Pheasants and Ducks
Section.
Livestock Page 35

Game ranch deer and elk are semi-  Define a restricted no fly zone, being
domesticated, but remain easily replaced with ground inspections or
spooked. They could panic and run increased flight elevation.
into fences during a low level  Determine when the animals are not in
plane/helicopter inspection flight. the pastures along the transmission
line, or move them to a safe place prior
to line inspections.
Construction noise may also spook  Negotiate with the landowner to
the animals causing injury or death. facilitate movement of the cervids to
quieter areas.
 Make construction crews aware of the
potential impacts of the noise created
and keep noise to a minimum.

Bison are unpredictable. They can  Move bison to alternate pasture if
spook and go through very good possible prior to construction or repair
fences or on occasion may attack work, or determine when the bison are
vehicles, horses or people with little not in pastures along the transmission
or no warning. line.
Pastures used by bison.  See the Range Cattle/Sheep section.
Bison spooked through fences by  Define a restricted no fly zone, being
plane/helicopter flyover. replaced with ground inspections or
increased flight elevation.

If there is an existing feedlot(s) with  Place warning signage.
an overhead transmission line and a  The tower would require fencing
tower. around the perimeter.
 Towers could interfere with  Test for and ground metal objects
cleaning. where required.
 Lines may pose a clearance  Route lines to avoid feedlots where
hazard. possible.
 There might be electrical
induction into headrails, feed
bunks, etc.
Livestock Page 36
There are a number of non-mainstream livestock species for which there is little or no
information on the effect of transmission lines. These species include alpacas, llamas,
ostriches, emus and likely other exotic species.
Specialty livestock may be disturbed by construction noise and activity. Discuss and
develop site specific mitigation or compensation plan with the landowner.

It is probable that low elevation  Define a restricted no fly zone, being
plane/helicopter flights would be replaced with ground inspections or
frightening to these species, and increased flight elevation.
may cause them to panic and run  Arrange meetings with the landowner at
into fences, causing injury or death. his home or off the farm to develop an
operating procedure.
 Look for and comply with farm
biosecurity protocols that might be in
place.
 Do not drive close to a specialty
production barn without permission.
 Do no enter specialty production
facilities unless accompanied by the
landowner.
Livestock Page 37
The construction of a transmission line across agricultural land, on which there is an

existing or potential yardsite, may limit the options a landowner has to expand the
facilities. Most farmers prefer to have transmission lines along quarter or section
boundaries. Most farm yardsites are along grid road quarter or section boundaries
which may put them in conflict with proposed transmission lines. Transmission lines
may, in some instances, add to the constraints on land use imposed by the extensive
network of oil and gas pipelines crisscrossing farm land in Alberta.

The construction on a transmission  Plan, where possible, transmission line
line in close proximity to a yardsite routes to provide adequate room for
may limit where and how many yardsite expansion.
buildings (i.e., poultry, hog barns,  If the cost to reroute the transmission
sheds, feedlots, etc.) that can be line exceeds the costs of developing a
added to a yardsite. satellite yardsite, then consider a
satellite yardsite.
If a new satellite yardsite is required  Consultation with landowner to
for expansion, considerable site determine if building site expansion is
preparation and servicing costs may planned and if so, what and where.
be incurred.  For small yardsites with a minimum of
buildings and infrastructure, consider
relocating the yardsite off the proposed
route if the route cannot be changed.
Transmission lines through farm  Provide markers and awareness of the
yardsite increases the risk of contact hazard presented by this situation.
between farm equipment, towers  See Equipment Hazards section.
and conductors due to the
movement of augers, etc. around
yardsites.
Transmission lines may require  Offset the transmission line centerline
removal of a shelterbelt for where possible, so as to accommodate
conductor clearance. yardsites.
 Replace tall trees with shorter species.
 Relocate shelterbelt by moving trees or
planting new ones.
Existing and Potential Farm Yardsites Page 38


Transmission line will limit where  Consult with landowner to determine
yardsites can be developed. Access to future development plans prior to
services, i.e., natural gas, co-op water finalizing route and tower placement.
lines, may be more costly.
A transmission line by itself or in  Review, with site specific analysis, what
concert with pipelines may prevent the combined potential impact of
yardsite development or subdivision pipelines and the transmission line will
of the yardsite. have on a subdivision potential, and
locate the transmission line and tower
placement to minimize the potential
impact of the line.
Transmission lines may prevent a  Adjust the center line of the
water well being drilled or serviced transmission line to provide adequate
because provincial regulations specify separation.
the minimum distances required from  Relocate the water well.
overhead power lines.
Existing and Potential Farm Yardsites Page 39

Appendix A – AltaLink Clubroot Mitigation Procedure Page A-1







*Excerpt from “Irrigation in Alberta”. Published by the Technology & Innovation Branch of Alberta Agriculture and Food. Lethbridge, AB.
Appendix B – Location of Irrigation Licenses and Districts & Summary of Irrigation

Methods within the Districts Page B-1
*Excerpt from “2008 Alberta Irrigation Information” prepared by Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Water Resource Branch, Lethbridge, AB.




0054.00.AML-1045 App S Agricultural Impact Report

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APPENDIX S

Serecon Valuations Inc.

Appendix A – AltaLink Clubroot Mitigation Procedure

Based on the concerns raised, AltaLink Management Ltd. (AltaLink)

In many cases, the potential impacts of transmission lines on agricultural operations

The potential impacts of a transmission line on agricultural land

The tangible impacts transmission lines have on agricultural land

Tower design varies with voltage, the number of conductors

A typical new 240 kV tower is illustrated in the picture to the

Electric Transmission Lines Design and Construction Page 2

Tangent towers, depending on soil conditions, may be constructed on pilings or on

Electric Transmission Lines Design and Construction Page 3

Electric Transmission Lines Design and Construction Page 4

Potential agricultural impacts from overhead transmission lines can be characterized

During Construction and Operation Page 5

Landowner consultation is a very important means to reduce potential farm impacts.

During Construction and Operation Page 6

Potential Impact Mitigation

Cultivated Crops and Soil Page 7

Potential Impact Mitigation

Potential Impact Mitigation

Cultivated Crops and Soil Page 8

Specialized Crop Page 9

Potential Impact Mitigation

Specialized Crop Page 10

The introduction of weeds can potentially occur during the construction or

Potential Impact Mitigation

Potential Impact Mitigation

AltaLink has developed a Clubroot Mitigation Procedure.

Potential Impact Mitigation

Crop Disease – of Special Concern Page 13

Potential Impact Mitigation

Crop Disease – of Special Concern Page 14

The risk of making contact with a conductor or approaching it closely enough to

Other agricultural equipment that can be higher during transportation or when

Equipment Hazards Page 15

Potential Impact Mitigation

Potential Impact Mitigation

Equipment Hazards Page 16

Aerial Spraying Page 17

Potential Impact Mitigation

Potential Impact Mitigation

Aerial Spraying Page 18

Potential Impact Mitigation

Aerial Spraying Page 19

Potential Impact Mitigation

Potential Impact Mitigation

Ground Spraying Page 20

Potential Impact Mitigation

Potential Impact Mitigation

Spot Spraying Page 21

Potential Impact Mitigation

Spot Spraying Page 22

Irrigation is an important component of many farming practices throughout Alberta.

The existence of transmissions lines on irrigated land creates a number of concerns

Side-roll wheel-move systems have large diameter wheels mounted on a pipeline,

Potential Impact Mitigation

Potential Impact Mitigation

Potential Impact Mitigation

Potential Impact Mitigation

Potential Impact Mitigation

A 240 kV tangent tower is considered to have a footprint of 100 to 144 m2 with a 3 m

Field Edge Centre of Field