New Aspects of Rights-of-Way Management for High-Voltage Power Lines

Reinhard Draxler, Dirk Uther, Gerhard Praxl, and Franz Hofbauer

The general characteristics for the design and construction of high-voltage lines (technical parameters, economical requirements, laws and regulations, environmental and social aspects) have changed dramatically over the past decade. Most of the criteria that may arise are closely related to environmental subjects. The subject of rights-of-way maintenance and its complex profile of requirements has become an increasingly important factor. A cost-effective implementation of appropriate vegetation management programs requires a large number of different considerations. This paper deals with the development of new strategies for rights-of-way maintenance. Criteria for implementation of proper management programs, according to their different regional characters, are pointed out. Furthermore, a suggestion for a concept of a long-term oriented vegetation management program is described. Finally the important role of public participation and the integration into a company’s Environmental Management System is discussed.

Keywords: High-voltage power line, Rights-of-way management, long-term oriented vegetation management program, environmental management system