Topic outline

  • Best Management Practices for Transmission Tower and Transmission Line Construction

    Credits: 8 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Since transmission lines and towers tend to blend into the environment and follow the terrain more than structures such as habitable buildings and paved roads and structures, it may be easier to overlook the environmental impact of transmission lines and towers and the access roads required for maintenance. This course introduces engineers, utilities contractors and BMP maintenance contractors to the best management practices for transmission construction and maintenance activities. Best Management Practices (BMP’s) are practices chosen to minimize erosion and prevent or control sedimentation and contributions of other pollutants from land disturbance and land management activities. If properly applied, BMPs will help protect the quality of surface waters and ground water.

    This course is based on the publication, A Guide for Environmental Protection and Best Management Practices for Tennessee Valley Authority Transmission Construction and Maintenance Activities. The techniques and methodologies described in this course document are applicable to nearly all transmission tower land areas in the lower 48 United States.

    This course demonstrates the basic management practices for transmission towers. It includes information on soil protection as well as restoration practices. Educating engineers, agencies and utility contractors on these topics could help protect waterways from unnecessary pollution.

    Topics:

    • Potential Pollutants Resulting from Transmission Construction and Maintenance Activities
    • Sediment, Sensitive Resources, Wetlands
    • Factors Influencing the Soil Erosion Process
    • Climate, Soil Properties, Topography, Vegetation
    • BMPs for Transmission Construction and Maintenance Activities
    • Preconstruction Planning, Controls, Construction Site Measures
    • Waste Disposal, Herbicide Use, Storm Water Discharge Management
    • BMP Standards and Specifications
    • Barriers, Silt/Fence Filters, Dams, Diversions, Riprap Usage
    • Temporary Stream Crossings
    • Water Turnouts, Soil Stabilization, Pipe Culverts
    • Streamside Management Zone
    • Revegetation of Disturbed Lands
    • Grading, Soil Sampling and Testing, Erosion Control
    • Methods of Seeding, Selection of Plant Materials, Aesthetic Considerations
    • Enhancing Wildlife Habitat
    • Appendices including Scientific Names of Plant Species

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Electrical, Mechanical, Geotechnical, Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, and other engineers whose job description may require a comprehensive knowledge of BMP procedures for transmission tower and line construction.
    Publication Source: Tennessee Valley Authority

    D. Allen Hughes, PE

    • Topic 1