My farm is under High voltage Power lines. Giant towers in aluminium color each having two hands as if holding power mark the landscape. They are a visual pollution and you get used to them and after few months and tend to ignore them. There are atleast three of them, one in my prime land. These are typically single circuit transmission lines, carrying three phase (and hence three cables) with voltage ranging above 115 KV.
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| Power Line In my farm |
I was anyway not even knowing what was the boundary of my land when I purchased it. There was this tower and it served as landmark. Later, only while during survey that I came to know I own one !. But i was happy to have it, for reasons unknown. It gave me a symbol.
Some people when they purchase the land are not even tolerant for an innocent electric pole. They are too sensitive about poles, holes and soil. When I purchased, my criteria was cost, availability and remoteness from commercial activity. I knew that power lines are considered a perceived threat and hence land would come cheaper. I never thought deeper into these. I was having a challenging mindset. But was certain that area under power lines come under right of way for power companies and we cannot construct any permanent constructions. After all, I am going to do farming so it doesnot matter. Ever since I have been keen on observing if there is any civilisation living under these lines.
There are few settlements seen in urban slums. But right of way is always kept clean, devoid of any major constructions. I have seen people do healthy farming right below the tower from a train during my travel in rural areas. In urban areas too, there are apartments constructed on both sides of these lines and some even under. They give some assurance.
There are various theories about the threat of living under or near power lines. Those who think they are advance techno geeks, brush everything aside. And there are some who worry constantly about electric and magnetic radiation, that they never sleep well. Some more refer to research
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| At the time of Survey |
findings which correlate childhood lukemia in children to proximity to power grid. And others ridicule the authors as lobbyists. Whatever it be, there are equal numbers on either side always, so it depends which side you take. The arguments are "equivocal and contradictory".
My observations are as follows;
a) Power lines are a threat - yes if a child will fly a kite in my farm. Luckily they are much higher in elevation. Above 30 meters say. Even if a child will fly a kite and it gets struck in one of the lines, I doubt there will be shock. we have seen birds sitting on power lines all the time. cool. you need to connect two ends to burn yourself.
b) The power lines may be emitting EMF. Any radiation looses square of its power with distance. It should be too feeble to realise at the typical distance of 100 to 150 feet in which we will be working. So feeble that the EMF would be much lower than those coming from electrical circuits which constantly sorround us in our home and appliances. A ceiling fan with its permanent magnets and electricity cutting through the coil all the time directly above our head would be worse than this.
c) However considering the magnititude of power in kilovolts passing in these lines, there will be some induction around it. Especially I have read that any farm fence running parallel to these lines will get induction over a period of time. That is like you get static from your nylon sox and you get a shock when you touch elevator or car handle. I do have a fence and it needs grounding. The galvanised fence wire is held in place by stone pillars. Therefore by itself they donot have grounding. However the wire mesh has automatic grounding. Additionally we can have a metal strip installed.
d) General rule is not to build any cow shed or farmer quarters under the power lines. They can be placed as far away as possible to avoid any static issues or just to keep their mind cool. What will you do if you were to live in the farm. Just do it.
e) Power lines produce a constant Hum noise. That is due to the wind blowing through them. We cannot avoid it and is definitely a noise pollution. But over a period you tend to ignore them.
f) Power poles may keep the land price under check. Land mafia or resellers may not like to buy this land for residential property. Therefore we can do happy farming.
g) In case the power company comes for re-installation or any repair work, the farm activity will be disturbed. Worse still we may have to make way for heavy vehicle movement, remove fence etc. But that is very rare and they may have their own techniques to avoid disturbance to environment. At present no one is available to clarify these doubts from local power department.
h) Power Towers may protect us from lightning. Being the tallest structure in that area with lightning arresters, they will serve as protection
i) Using high power rain gun may be an issue. Luckily my farm has power lines running on the outer edges of the farm. It is not clear if the rain gun when aimed at power lines with water flowing through it, will be an issue. It is better to avoid constant stream of water aimed at power lines. Otherwise regular water or mist or rain should not be a threat.
Further reading.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overhead_power_line
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/realestate/msg021604038945.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAZaVRt8Hgo
http://hps.org/hpspublications/articles/powerlines.html
http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2699/electrifying
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20050602/child-leukemia-again-linked-to-power-lines
http://www.greatriverenergy.com/deliveringelectricity/safety/safetyaroundpowerlines.pdf
