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Dismantling of 400 KV Overhead Line PDF
Dismantling of 400 KV Overhead Line PDF
14.1.1 Introduction
14.1.1.1 As a direct result of the construction of the proposed project, all of the 132kV overhead
transmission line between Beauly and Denny, becomes redundant and it can be dismantled
and removed (see Figures 14.1A – 14.1L). The existing 132kV line is approximately 220km in
length.
14.1.1.2 Routeing of the proposed 400kV overhead transmission line closely follows that of the existing
132kV line in many locations (see Chapter 8). As a result there are several locations where
the new 400kV overhead transmission line crosses over the existing 132kV line and other
existing transmission lines.
14.1.1.3 The existing 132kV line must remain operational wherever possible to ensure a secure
electricity supply until the proposed 400kV overhead transmission line can be energised.
Diversions
14.1.3.1 Three options have been identified for diverting the existing line and it is likely that a mixture of
all three methods would be used (see Section 13.10). The first option would be to divert the
existing line onto lower height wood poles, which would allow the new conductors to over sail
whilst maintaining electrical safety clearances. This can be completed under two single circuit
outages allowing a single circuit to be diverted at a time. The second method would be to
directly over sail the existing 132kV with the new 400kV overhead transmission line. The third
method would involve diverting circuits from the existing 132kV line onto completed sections of
the new 400kV overhead transmission line, thus part commissioning sections of the new line
but running it at 132kV. The existing 33kV and 11kV lines would be temporarily
undergrounded. (see Technical Annex 13: Construction)
14.1.3.2 Detailed survey and design is required for each individual crossing to enable safety issues and
technical considerations to be taken into account, and this would be undertaken post
publication of the ES. All details would be set out in the Construction Procedures Handbook
(see Section 4.7.3) including any required environmental mitigation measures.
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Proposed Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line Chapter 14
Dismantling and Reinstatement
Dismantling
Dismantling Conductors
14.1.3.3 Before starting to dismantle the conductors, protection measures consisting of scaffolding and
nets would be erected over obstacles such as major roads and overhead distribution lines.
Dismantling of the conductors takes place only when the protection measures have been put
in place. Access would be required to allow the scaffolding equipment to be delivered to the
locations where it is to be erected.
14.1.3.4 Rollers (running out blocks) are erected at each tower position and the conductor is
unclamped and placed in the rollers. Using a winch, the tension of the line is released and the
conductors are gently lowered to the ground. The conductors are then cut into manageable
sections, coiled up and removed from site. The insulators and old fittings are lowered at this
time and removed from site.
Dismantling Towers
14.1.3.7 The dismantling of each tower would be assessed on an individual basis taking into account
items such as the location of the tower, available space around the tower and near-by
obstacles. If the assessment allowed and there were no other safety implications which
needed to be taken into account, the tower could be felled in a controlled manner using a steel
cutter to cut the two back legs and pulling it over onto its side using a tractor and winch. In
particularly sensitive sites the tower could be felled onto straw bales.
14.1.3.8 Following an assessment of the safety and environmental implications if the above method of
felling were not considered suitable, then the tower would be unbolted and lowered in sections
using a crane or derrick.
14.1.3.9 Once on the ground, the towers would be cut into smaller manageable pieces and removed
from site. This could be achieved by either of two methods depending on the access available.
If access were suitable, a scrap skip would be delivered to site and the towers cut into
manageable pieces using either acetylene cutting equipment or a cutting attachment on the
excavator. The scrap steelwork would then be loaded into the skip and removed from site for
recycling.
14.1.3.10 If the access were not suitable for a scrap skip to be delivered, the tower would be cut into
smaller sections using the cutting attachment on the excavator. Once complete, the sections
of cut tower would be flown using a helicopter to a nearby storage area where they would be
cut into smaller manageable pieces and then bundled into a scrap skip to be removed for
recycling.
Removal of Foundations
14.1.3.11 Using either a wheeled or tracked excavator, the foundation is exposed to a depth of about 1m
apart from in sensitive sites, such as in NATURA sites, where the foundations would only be
1
exposed to 300mm . The concrete on the exposed foundation would then be broken into
manageable sizes exposing the tower leg underneath. The leg would be cut at 1m deep and
removed. The foundation would then be backfilled ensuring the backfill is compacted at
1
It is important that the foundations are broken up at least in part even in sensitive locations to avoid leaving a trip hazard.
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Proposed Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line Chapter 14
Dismantling and Reinstatement
regular intervals. When the foundation was completely backfilled, any surplus material would
be removed from site (see below).
14.2.1 Introduction
14.2.1.1 Once the new overhead transmission line had been commissioned, the sites would be
reinstated. Contract requirements would include removal of all temporary access tracks, all
work sites round towers and where the 132kV line was removed, the restoration of all
construction compounds. All work would be carried out taking account of environmental
constraints and committed mitigation measures would be implemented (see Schedule of
Mitigation in Appendix C).
14.2.2 Tracks
14.2.2.1 Little if any ground restoration would be required where matting used for short-term access on
reasonably firm ground is removed. Where tracking has been left in-situ for lengthy periods of
time some compaction may have taken place. Remedial sub-soiling / cultivation might be
required in these locations depending on the levels of compaction and taking account of any
environmental constraints such as buried archaeology etc.
14.2.2.2 Where floating stone access tracks have been used over peat an indentation as a result of the
compaction and settling from the stone installation could be left. The risk of compaction would
be minimised by:
• Using suitably graded geotextiles and geofabrics to spread the weight of the track;
• Micrositing tracks to avoid any particularly wet areas of peat;
• Using appropriate drainage techniques to maintain the natural hydrology of the peat.
14.2.2.3 Following removal of the floating tracks, the line of the tracks would be allowed to revegetate
naturally to reduce the risk of impact from further intrusive methods.
14.2.2.4 Where tracks which have been dug in are removed, the land would be gently graded back to
fit with the surrounding topography. Culverts could be left in place in these situations unless
an environmental interest makes this undesirable. Leaving culverts in place could reduce
disturbance in the future if maintenance works were required.
14.2.2.5 Planning permission would be required to leave any temporary tracks in place permanently.
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Proposed Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line Chapter 14
Dismantling and Reinstatement
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Proposed Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line Chapter 14
Dismantling and Reinstatement
• Restoration plans in areas used for public access would take account of access
requirements and ensure that new planting does not interfere with access and also delivers
visual benefits where possible.
The predicted traffic effects of dismantling of the existing overhead transmission line have
been considered as part of the overall project construction traffic assessment presented in
Chapter 12: Construction Traffic and Transport.
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