TRANSMISSIONLINES ON YOUR PROPERTY

INFORMATION FOR LANDOWNERS AND OCCUPIERS

TRANSMISSION LINES OVER YOUR PROPERTY

This brochure lets you know what you can expect from Transpower, and sets out a few things to keep in mind to keep you safe when using your land. If you want more specific information sheets or have any questions, you can contact us on 0508 526 369 (0508 LANDOWNER).

When will you see us?

Usually we can inspect the conductors (wires) over your property without having to enter onto the land. Sometimes we’ll have to come onto your property if the property is big or the transmission line is down the back.

Our service providers inspect the lines on their annual patrol. The information gathered on these patrols feeds into our maintenance programme. Most of our maintenance work is undertaken on the support structures (towers and poles), so it is rare for us to need to access your land to do work on the conductors.

Patrols also identify any vegetation that needs to be kept away from the lines. See the trees and other vegetation section for more information.

REMEMBER: These transmission lines are carrying electricity at very high voltages. Electricity at these voltages can arc through the air, even without direct contact.

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LIVING SAFELY WITH TRANSMISSION LINES

In general, most of your day-to-day activities should be unaffected by the presence of transmission lines. However, the following information is important if it applies to your property.

Trees and other vegetation

� Trees too close to transmission lines can:

� cause serious injury or death by conducting high voltage electricity

� disrupt electricity supply if trees touch or fall on the lines

� be a fire hazard.

� Trees must be at least 4 metres from the closest part of the conductors.

� This must be calculated under ‘worst case’ conditions – i.e. movement of conductors in high winds or temperatures. This can be difficult to calculate, therefore please contact us on 0508 526 369 (0508 LANDOWNER) if you would like us to send a service provider out to advise you.

� If a tree falls near a transmission line it may conduct electricity to the ground, or damage a line or tower. There should be a minimum of 4 metres clearance between the tree and the transmission line if the tree falls.

� When considering what to plant around transmission lines, consider how tall it could grow when mature.

REMEMBER: Trees planted too close to high voltage lines are EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, can be a fire risk and can cause major electricity interruptions. Do not plant trees in areas where they could eventually touch or fall across high voltage lines. You must comply with the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003.

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What does Transpower do about vegetation growing near lines?

� Under the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 we must ensure that vegetation which can threaten people’s safety or the continuity of electricity supply is managed.

� We carry out regular inspections and will let you know if we identify any trees on your property that are growing too close to lines.

� We will normally pay the costs associated with maintaining this vegetation. This is because trimming vegetation near transmission lines is extremely dangerous and should only be done by specially trained arborists.

� You can contact us to discuss how we can best manage trees on your property near transmission lines. This can include trimming or removing the tree if this is the best course of action.

i For a copy of our trees brochure, please visit our website www.transpower.co.nz/landowner-guides or call us on 0508 526 369 (0508 LANDOWNER).

Mobile equipment

� Any part of any mobile equipment or the load being carried must be at least 4 metres from transmission lines at all times.

� Remember that conductors move in winds and sag lower in high temperatures. They may not be in the same position each time you approach them.

� When planning any work activity always:

� assess the risks:

� what are the risks of contact with the lines or of flashover?

� who could be affected and what controls are necessary?

� measure machinery to establish the maximum height

� make sure everyone knows what they are doing when working near transmission lines – train your staff

� place warning signage in plain sight of mobile equipment controls.

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i For more information, or for a copy of our mobile plant brochure, please call us free on 0508 526 369 (0508 LANDOWNER) or visit www.transpower.co.nz/landowner-guides

A warning notice that says WARNING KEEP CLEAR OF POWER LINES should be fixed in a conspicuous place in the operator’s working position. (NZECP34:2001 5.6)

REMEMBER: Look up! If there are lines over your

site, Transpower may be an affected party and should

be consulted.

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Buildings and structures

Buildings and structures located under, or too close to, transmission lines can pose a risk to your safety and to the National Grid.

The location of all of your buildings and structures must comply with minimum safe distances from conductors. These distances are set out in the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice (NZECP34: 2001) and are compulsory.

Remember, if you are proposing to build near transmission lines your first step should be to discuss your proposals with us. We are happy to advise you on matters relating to electrical safety and can provide suggestions as to what changes could be made to reduce any impacts.

District Plans may also have rules requiring resource consent for building and undertaking other activities in the transmission line corridor.

Changing land use and subdivision

Changes to how you use your land could have an impact on the transmission lines, especially with regard to maintaining safe distances from the lines. We are happy to work with you to identify how your plans might be impacted on by the transmission lines, and what could be done to reduce any impact.

Fires and burn-off

Fires and burn-offs near transmission lines can increase risks to you and your property and cause significant harm to the lines.

� Avoid burning fires within 100 metres of transmission lines, and in all cases seek to avoid situations where the smoke blows towards the lines.

� If you wish to light fires or burn off vegetation in the vicinity of transmission lines, please contact us on 0508 526 369 (0508 LANDOWNER). We are happy to send out a service provider to assess the situation.

Storage under lines

Avoid storing material under our lines, but if you have to, then please remember that:

� the material should not be conductive (metal) or hazardous (explosives or flammable liquids/gases).

� the height of the material or the machinery used to move the material must not come close to the conductors.

REMEMBER: WHEN IN DOUBT Discuss your

proposals with Transpower.

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This brochure is printed with vegetable based inks on Novatech stock. All paper surplus is recycled post printing.

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ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS AND INTERFERENCE

Electric and magnetic fields (EMF)

Electricity transmission, just like many household electrical appliances, produces electric and magnetic fields.

Transpower complies with the safety guidelines set by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which are endorsed and recommended by the National Radiation Laboratory, a unit of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) – a Crown Research Institute.

� Transpower recognises that some people have concerns about the perceived health effects of EMF exposure from transmission lines. We take those concerns seriously and in response have developed a commitment to the management of electric and magnetic fields. See our commitment at www.transpower.co.nz/commitments.

� You can request that we measure electric and magnetic fields around our lines if you have any concerns about the levels. Note that this service is not provided to houses being bought or sold.

i For more information, or for copies of our EMF factsheets, please call us free on 0508 526 369 (0508 LANDOWNER) or visit www.transpower.co.nz/emf

Noise from transmission lines

If you live very close to a transmission line, you may occasionally hear some noise coming from the line. In calm, dry conditions there is normally no noise. However, during damp, foggy or windy weather, normal sounds can include:

� a gentle buzzing from damp or salt-polluted insulators and some small, intermittent surface arcing (flashes of light), which occur while wet or dirty insulators dry out

� a gentle humming wind noise from conductors and/or tower steelwork, especially during very windy periods.

If you have any concerns about the level of noise, please contact us on 0508 526 369 (0508 LANDOWNER) to talk to your line maintenance contractor.

MORE INFORMATION

If you want copies of our brochures or have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us on 0508 526 369 (0508 LANDOWNER). Alternatively, you can visit www.Transpower.co.nz. We have brochures on trees, EMF, mobile plant, recreation near transmission lines, and land development.

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