Placer County Water Agency Middle Fork American River Project Terrestrial Working Group November 6, 2007 TERR 4: Special-Status Wildlife Preliminary Results Powerline Risk Assessment Component

2 Study Objective Determine whether Project communication lines and powerlines are consistent with Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) Guidelines APLIC GUIDELINES Powerpole configurations and avian deterrent recommendations

3 Extent of Study Area All Project powerlines and communication lines (excludes underground powerlines) Does not include PG&E transmission lines

4 Powerline Risk Assessment Study Methods Overview Pole Evaluation Conduct preliminary powerline and communication pole and line evaluation Habitat Assessment Determine location of powerlines in relation to appropriate habitat Determine availability of nesting or roosting trees or perches Document avian use of powerlines Summarize documented avian electrocutions

5 Powerline Risk Assessment Pole Evaluation Typical APLIC “problem” powerline characteristics:  Usually distribution lines  Distance between conductors is less than wingspan of landing/perching bird  Grounded hardware or equipment in proximity to energized conductors/jumper wires

6 Typical APLIC “Problem” Powerline Configurations

7 APLIC Recommended Powerline Configurations

8 Typical APLIC “Problem” Equipment Pole Configuration

9 APLIC Recommended Equipment Pole Configuration

10 Low voltage Insulated Do not pose risk of electrocution MFP Photovoltaic Pole and Powerline Evaluation

11 MFP Communication Pole and Line Evaluation Low voltage Insulated Do not pose risk of electrocution

12 MFP Pole and Powerline Evaluation Powerline pole configuration may pose potential risk

13 MFP Habitat Assessment Abundant alternative natural structures for nesting and foraging Powerlines are surrounded by appropriate habitat (e.g., hardwood and coniferous forest) No avian use detected during surveys No reported avian electrocutions or other mortalities

14 Next Steps