Environmental impact assessments are always conducted for new 110-kilovolt transmission lines.
Before that the route of the transmission line is planned. The goal of this plan is to identify a route that minimises the environmental impact, meets the technical objectives, and is feasible for construction. Settlements and natural values are considered carefully.
An essential aspect of route planning is to visit the terrain: it is impossible to determine the accuracy of objects or their significance for the planned transmission line route simply by looking at a map.
1–2 field visits are conducted for each project. Each field visit takes 1–5 days, depending on the scope and length of the project.
Visiting the terrain draws the attention to the condition of business properties, holiday homes, and residences and their proximity of the planned transmission lines.
The soil is analysed to determine the feasibility of construction. The locations of corner towers are especially important: they must be built on solid ground.
The structures and condition of existing transmission lines are significant for the placement of the new line. Other important considerations include technically challenging modifications, such as transmission line crossings or lateral moves.
Attention is also paid to the position of the transmission line in the landscape when viewed from near and far, as well as how the towers will stand out in important locations or places that are otherwise sensitive to changes.
