Document: NUREG-1555
Document ID: 4cad4a2f-276d-4be5-9fba-e856faa358a0
Document Type: esrp
Title: TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
Source: NUREG-1555
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1555/initial/
Revision Date: 2007-10
Chapter: 5
Section ID: 5.6.1
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
restrial ecosystem from the transmission systems is discussed in the following paragraph: The EIS needs to include an analysis that considers and balances the environmental effects of the transmission system on the terrestrial environment and the alternatives for reducing or avoiding adverse environmental effects, as well as any environmental benefits that may result from the proposed action. Following the acceptance criteria listed above will help ensure that the environmental impacts of the transmission system on the terrestrial environment will be considered with respect to matters covered by such standards and requirements. III. REVIEW PROCEDURES To evaluate the impacts on terrestrial ecology from transmission-system operation and maintenance, the reviewer should take the following steps: (1) identify the operational and maintenance activities associated with transmission facilities that could impact “important” terrestrial species and habitats. ` Potential adverse impacts resulting from operation and maintenance activities include soil erosion, runoff or uncontrolled release of defoliants and herbicides, barriers to wildlife movements created by clear-cutting of trees, and subtle effects of high energy electrical fields on the behavior of animals. ` Electric field effects on terrestrial biota need not be considered for lines energized at less than 765 kV. Also, experience has shown that for transmission lines energized at 765 kV or less, there are no known adverse impacts resulting from ozone formation. At voltages of 765 kV or above, consideration of the possible effects of electric fields and corona discharge, including resulting noise on terrestrial biota, may be warranted. The presence of the towers and wires may October 1999 5.6.1-5 NUREG-1555 affect wildlife use of nearby important habitats and flyways (see ESRP 4.3.1 for the analysis of potential bird collisions with towers and wires). ` The potential for bird electrocution is considered negligible