Topic outline

  • Protecting Birds from Powerline Hazards

    Credits: 5 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    Every year, many birds are killed through collision with power lines or through electrocution. Electric utilities have a strong incentive to reduce these deaths because 1) power outages may result, and 2) the utilities risk prosecution under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or the Endangered Species act. Both civil and criminal penalties may be levied. This course describes principles that individual utilities may use to formulate an Avian Protection Plan (APP). A utility that creates an APP following these guidelines and that addresses their specific avian issues can benefit through regulatory compliance, reliability improvements, cost savings and positive recognition from regulators and customers.

    Topics:

    • Permit compliance
    • Construction design standards
    • Nest management
    • Mortality reduction measures
    • Avian reporting system
    • Avian enhancement options
    • Quality control
    • Corporate policy examples
    • Examples of forms for reporting bird mortality and nests
    • Standards for conductor separation
    • Perches, guards, and insulator covers

    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: for electrical and civil engineers concerned with the design and maintenance of electric power lines.
    Publication Source: US Dept. of Interior (Fish and Wildlife Service)

    Mark Rossow PhD, PE (retired)
    • Topic 1