华体会体育’s is taking proactive steps to prevent bird collision with power lines by implementing the best protection practices.
The most common reasons birds collide with power lines include:
When nests are discovered on electrical equipment, the nest is moved to prevent harm to the bird and ensure system reliability. To properly deal with birds and nests on electrical equipment, permits are often required from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS).
When a bird collision or electrocution occurs, the utility is required file a report with the USFWS. 华体会体育 trains field personnel on the proper way to report bird deaths and to recognize and report instances where proactive mitigation action can be taken.
While 华体会体育 tracks bird interactions with facilities across its system, the company’s primary focus is on larger birds such as hawks, eagles, owls, osprey and wading birds (e.g. herons), as well as smaller birds that nest on equipment or perch in large flocks. These species run a greater risk of colliding with towers and lines.
The 华体会体育 Avian Protection Plan includes:
For more than three decades, the utility industry, conservation groups and wildlife resource agencies have collaborated to study and understand the reasons birds are attracted to utility equipment.
To conserve native North American species of birds and reduce avian contacts, utilities have adopted voluntary company-specific Avian Protection Plans.
In 2013, 华体会体育 completed its voluntary plan. 华体会体育 also participates in the industry’s Avian Power Line Interaction Committee and is adopting its suggested practices.