Safety

Interference from transmission facilities on GPS equipment is unlikely. The signals sent to GPS receivers from satellites have frequencies far above the range of frequencies potentially affected by radio noise from transmission lines. Research has shown transmission lines do not cause errors or malfunctions for modern GPS equipment. Contact AltaLink if you believe your GPS receiver is being affected by AltaLink's facilities. More information is available in the Fact Sheet: GPS equipment near transmission lines.

Because of the risk of damage to electrical equipment, AltaLink recommends against any RPAS operations within 60 metres of our transmission lines and other facilities. This is to avoid collisions with aircraft performing visual inspections of our facilities or a drone making contact with our facilities. More information is available in the Fact Sheet: Operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems near AltaLink's facilities.

We strive to minimize any impact on irrigation systems and will work with landowners to find solutions that result in minimal – if any – loss of irrigable land. More information is available in the Fact Sheet: Irrigation systems near transmission lines.

Underground transmission cables can be an alternative to the more common above ground transmission lines. Placing transmission cables underground is generally only considered when above ground is not a viable option or in areas of high population density. AltaLink will consider the use of underground transmission technology on a project-by-project basis. More information is available in the Fact Sheet: Underground transmission lines.

Almost all of AltaLink’s transmission structures are equipped with Overhead Shield Wires (OHSW) to protect equipment from lightning strikes. Much like the lightning needles on top of high-rise buildings, the OHSW protects the transmission lines by providing a safe path that leads the lightning energy to the ground. More information is available in the Fact Sheet: Lightning and transmission structures.

Landowners often ask this question, and there is no simple answer. Previous studies have indicated that transmission lines have either a small, or no discernible impact on property values in urban and rural areas and that where an effect is found, it tends to diminish rapidly with distance from the line and to dissipate over time. More information is available in the Fact Sheet: Property values.

For the most part, transmission lines look different from distribution lines. AltaLink owns and operates transmission lines, which are higher voltage than distribution lines. If in doubt, please give us a call.

Please contact 3rdpartyrequests [at] altalink [dot] ca for questions regarding working near transmission lines.

We don’t recommend fueling vehicles under transmission lines. If you must fuel a vehicle under a line, make sure to ground both the fuel container and the vehicle so any sources of sparks are eliminated.

Cable or satellite television reception is not affected by transmission lines, therefore reception problems are unlikely. However, if you use an antenna for your television and are experiencing reception problems, we can usually fix them easily. But we can’t do anything about poor reception you might have had before the line was built.

If you would like us to measure your television reception, or if you think you might be experiencing poor television reception as a result of a transmission line, please let us know. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) should also not be affected by transmission facilities, but if you’d like us to come and check your system, please give us a call.

AltaLink will make sure your fences are safe to touch. Let us know if you put up new fences or gates near the line and we’ll make sure they are safe and our access to the right-of-way is maintained. We can also protect nearby electric fences upon request.

Because trees can be a safety hazard near transmission lines, AltaLink prefers to keep the right-of-way free of trees. This is done by mechanical (cutting) or chemical control (herbicide spraying).

However, if the trees are of value and the landowner wants to keep them, when possible, we will trim them when they grow too close to the wires. If you are planning to plant trees on or close to the right-of-way, please contact AltaLink for the best location and varieties to plant.

Weed control around the poles or towers is the responsibility of the landowner. The cost of weed control is one of the items included in the annual structure payments.

Yes, the land under a transmission line can be farmed.

Never start a fire under or near a transmission line because the smoke or hot air could create a conductive path to the ground. The poles or towers could also be damaged by a brush fire. Smoke plumes from equipment exhaust are not a concern.

Buildings and structures (houses, garages, sheds, quonsets, light standards, antennas, masts, etc.) are not permitted on the transmission line right-of-way. Buildings and structures could also require additional setback from the edge of the right-of-way in order to maintain regulated safety standards.

The safe distance between buildings and transmission lines depends on the voltage of the line, the type of construction, building type and height, and location. If you want to erect a new building after the line is built, contact us and we will advise you of the distance requirements.

Electrical charges will not normally build up on most buildings close to lines because the plumbing, wiring or the frame usually grounds them. AltaLink will ground any metal buildings that could store an electrical charge.

For information about EMF, click here.