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High-voltage transmission right-of-way restrictions

Any encroachment will create a hazardous condition.  Contact with or arcing of the energized conductors will cause property damage or serious bodily injury, including death. Other restrictions might apply for specific situations.


Safety

  • OSHA safe-working clearance from a person or any conductive object to the energized bare wires shall be maintained at all times.
     
    500,000 volt (500-kV) lines -------------- Minimum 19 feet, in any direction.
    345,000 volt (345-kV) lines -------------- Minimum 16 feet, in any direction.
    230,000 volt (230-kV) lines -------------- Minimum 13 feet, in any direction.
    138,000 volt (138-kV) lines -------------- Minimum 12 feet, in any direction.
    115,000 volt (115-kV) lines -------------- Minimum 11 feet, in any direction.
      23,000 volt (23-kV) to 69,000 volt (69-kV) lines ---- Minimum 10 feet, in any direction.
  • Any driveways or parking areas near FirstEnergy structures (poles, towers, guys, etc.) shall include protective barriers. Parking within or adjacent to the right-of-way may induce an electric charge on the vehicle. Induced charges may also be imposed on objects such as fences, signs, or any other conductive object. An engineering firm should be consulted to provide a proper grounding system to prevent induced shock. Construction vehicles operating near transmission lines should also be properly grounded.
  • No explosive or combustible liquid, substance, or material shall be located within the right-of-way. Prohibited materials include but are not limited to: fuel, wood chips, mulch, brush, and tires.

Vegetation
  • All vegetation on or adjacent to the right-of-way shall be low-growing, compatible species (10-foot maximum mature height).
  • Shrubbery planted near FirstEnergy structures (poles, towers, guys, etc.) shall allow for working area at ground level. (No closer than 10 feet mature growth from the structure, in any direction).
  • Refer to further vegetation restrictions and guidelines in this section.

Access

  • No buildings, signs, billboards, swimming pools, decks, flag posts, sheds, barns, garages, playgrounds, fences, or other structures shall be located within the right-of-way.
  • Truck and equipment access to all transmission-line structures shall be provided at all times.
  • No septic systems or wells shall be located within the right-of-way.

Lighting fixtures

  • No lighting fixtures shall be located within the right-of-way without written approval from FirstEnergy.

Grading/Excavation
  • No excavations near Transmission structures (poles, towers, guys, etc.) shall occur without written approval from FirstEnergy.
  • No changes to grade elevations within the right-of-way shall be made without written approval from FirstEnergy.

Other Activities
  • Kite flying, model airplane flying, or similar activities shall be prohibited on or near FirstEnergy right-of-way.

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