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Vantage to Pomona Heights Chapter 2 230 kV Transmission Line Project FEIS Proposed Action and Alternatives PAGE 2-32 All buildings, fences, and other structures with metal surfaces located within 200 feet from the centerline of the ROW corridor would be grounded as necessary. Typically, buildings located beyond 200 feet of the centerline would not require grounding. Other structures requiring grounding beyond 200 feet would be determined by the NESC standards. All metal irrigation systems that parallel the proposed transmission lines for a distance of 1,000 feet or more and within 100 feet of the centerline would be grounded. Operation and ongoing maintenance activities would include transmission line patrols, climbing inspections, structure and wire maintenance, insulator washing in selected areas as needed, and access road repairs. Necessary work areas around all structures would be kept clear of vegetation and the height of vegetation within the ROW corridor would be limited. Periodic inspection and maintenance of each of the substations and communications facilities is also a key part of operating and maintaining the electrical system. After the proposed transmission line has been energized, land uses that are compatible with safety regulations would be permitted in and adjacent to the ROW corridor. Existing land uses such as agriculture and grazing are generally permitted within the ROW corridor. Incompatible land uses within the ROW corridor include construction and maintenance of inhabited dwellings and any use requiring changes in surface elevation that would affect electrical clearances of existing or planned facilities. Land uses that comply with federal, state, and local regulations could be permitted adjacent to the ROW corridor. Compatible uses of the ROW corridor on public lands would have to be approved by the appropriate federal and/or state land management agency. Permission to use the ROW corridor on private lands would be determined by Pacific Power in consultation with the landowner. 2.2.4.1 Transmission Line Maintenance Regular ground and aerial inspections would be performed in accordance with Pacific Power’s established policies and procedures for transmission line inspection and maintenance. Pacific Power’s transmission lines and substations would be inspected for corrosion, equipment misalignment, loose fittings, vandalism, and other mechanical problems. The need for vegetation management would also be determined during inspection patrols. Inspection of the entire transmission line would be conducted semi-annually. Aerial inspection would be conducted by helicopter semi-annually and would require two or three crewmembers, including the pilot. Detailed ground inspections would take place on an annual basis using four-wheel drive trucks or off- highway vehicles (OHVs). The inspector would assess the condition of the transmission line and hardware to determine if any components need to be repaired or replaced or if other conditions exist that require maintenance or modification activities. The inspector would also note any unauthorized encroachments and trash dumping on the ROW corridor that could constitute a safety hazard and would report unauthorized use of the ROW corridor to the landowner and/or appropriate land management agency. 2.2.4.2 Hardware Maintenance and Repairs Routine maintenance activities are ordinary maintenance tasks that have historically been performed on transmission lines and are regularly carried out. The work performed is typically repair or replacement of individual components (no new ground disturbance), performed by relatively small crews using a minimum of equipment, and usually are conducted within a period from a few hours up to a few days. Work requires access to the damaged portion of the transmission line to allow for a safe and efficient repair of the facility. Equipment required for this work may include 4x4 trucks, material (flatbed) trucks, bucket trucks (low reach), boom trucks (high reach), or man lifts. This work would be scheduled and would typically be required due to issues found during inspections. Typical items that may require