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Work on the Reykjanes power line |
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Foundation of a load-bearing tower. |
- Ground disturbance tied to pathways, mines and tower lots. Creating new paths alongside current lines will be kept at a minimum, partly since they are for the most part already in existence. On the other hand, side-paths from current line-paths to new tower lots need to be built, as well as creating pathways along new line-paths. Disturbances during the construction of the system, for example due to the combining of conductors and the traffic of construction equipment, which are tied to the lines' closest proximity and their access routes.
- The right of way , which is dependant on the distance between towers and coincides often with the right of way of current lines.
The impact zone is the area where one can expect an impact due to the project, both during construction and after. To judge the effect of the impact zone, we divide in into four parts:
- Direct influence on the environment: Is considered to be within a 100 metre area, both sides of the line path. The impact zone is wider than the construction zone.
- Impact on birdlife: While discussing the impact on birdlife one must look to a wider area, for example due to flight risk.
- Impact on landscape and visual aspects: The visual impact zone can be wide reaching, depending on the nature of the project and its position due to land formation, vegetation et al.
- Impact on the community: One must also consider the community and effects that power lines can have on tourism, outdoor activities, and the employment situation. These effects can be hard to define and are not restricted to a certain area along the high-voltage lines. Areas surrounding the lines are looked at especially in this regard.
Southwest lines