Environmental aspects of route selection for overhead lines in the U.S.A

The environmental effects of overhead EHV lines are described. Investigation of these effects requires input from many disciplines such as landscape planning, ecological, biological and botanical sciences, forestry, civil engineering, construction and electrical engineering. Methods used in minimizing these effects by developing environmentally compatible transmission line right-of-ways based on ecological, electrical, aesthetic and socio-economic factors, and a right-of-way management programme are discussed.