Along with the growing demand for electricity, power lines become an integral part of the urban and rural landscape. Their development is crucial to ensure uninterrupted power supply, but at the same time is associated with some challenges regarding the impact on the natural environment. Discussion of this topic is extremely important because it allows you to understand both positive and negative aspects of the presence of power lines in our environment and search for methods to minimize their potential environmental impact.

Electromagnetic impact of electrical lines

Electromagnetic interaction of lines and power stations on living organisms is an important aspect of analyzing their environmental impact. High voltage lines generate energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, which, although one, can significantly affect living organisms by induction of electrical charges, currents and orientation of electrical dipoles. These phenomena can lead to various biological reactions, including changes in the electrolyte-ion economy and the body's natural disturbances.

In the case of higher frequencies, such as those generated by power lines, organisms may experience thermal effects, which can lead to local tissue heating. In addition, in situations of contact with metal objects, the electric current through the body can result in uncontrolled tissue stimulation and even serious burns. There are also areas such as subresonant and resonance area, where the human body can absorb the energy of electromagnetic radiation in a particularly intensive way, which can potentially affect health.

In Poland, in accordance with the regulation of the Minister of the Environment, the permissible levels of electromagnetic fields are determined to protect public health and the environment. Exceeding these levels may result in negative consequences for human health and the functioning of ecosystems, which emphasizes the need for monitoring and proper management of this type of infrastructure. Equipment such as cable developing is also used more and more often to arrange cable lines that have less impact on the environment.

How can overhead lines change the environment of our lives?

High voltage overhead power lines have a significant impact on the environment of our lives both during its construction and operation. During the construction stage, heavy construction equipment inevitably leads to soil damage along the route. Installation of columns and stretching of wires require excavations for foundations, which is often associated with a permanent exclusion from the use of areas in which they are implemented. In the case of overhead lines with a length of several kilometers, such as 400 kV Tarnów -Rzeszów, such work also results in cutting trees and loss of forest surfaces, which can be up to 500 and per 1 km of line. Equipment, such as a hydraulic winch, which allows you to lead cable lines underground.

In the exploitation phase, these lines generate radio -electric interference, noise and negatively affect the life of plants and animals. Radio interference mainly results from spark discharges and other incomplete electrical discharges, which may cause radio reception problems. Although beam cables are used to minimize these disturbances, sometimes there are complete discharge on insulators, especially with improper assembly or damage to devices. At cable lines, elements such as glass fiber are used when laying. In overhead lines, unfortunately, there is a greater risk of damage during the use of the line.

The noise, associated with the electrical leaflet, depends on weather conditions and can significantly increase during rainfall or fog. The permissible noise levels generated by overhead lines, specified in Polish standards, range from 50 to 67 dB during the day and from 45 to 57 dB at night.

However, the main area of interest is the impact of electromagnetic fields (EM) on living organisms. These organisms, despite some degree of adaptation to natural EM fields, can be much more sensitive to artificial sources such as power lines. These effects may include physiological, thermal and anatomical changes, which has been confirmed by numerous scientific studies. In Poland, there are standards determining the safe levels of electrical field intensity to protect public health, however, there are differences in assessments regarding the long -term effects of exposure to such fields.

Impact of power lines on birds and nature

High voltage power lines have a complex impact on birds and nature, including both negative and positive aspects. Power poles, although they can pose a threat to birds, also perform ecological functions that are worth considering. The negative impact of the power line on birds includes, among others Risk of collision with wires, especially for large birds of prey and volatile. In addition, in some cases, birds can be exposed to electric shock, especially if they sit on wires or insulators.

However, there are also favorable aspects of the presence of bird lines. Power poles are often used as a place of nesting by some species of birds, especially in open agricultural landscapes. They also serve as a place of chatting and observation, which increases the vital space of birds in habitats, where natural breeding structures can be limited.

Scientific studies have shown that power lines can support the species diversity of birds. Areas under columns and lines are often more biologically diverse than the surrounding fields, mainly due to the appearance of bushes and other vegetation under the poles. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in agricultural landscapes, where transmission infrastructure can increase the availability of bird habitats.

To minimize the negative effects of power lines on birds, there are several effective practices:

• Ornithological supervision during construction,
• Protection of Natura 2000 areas,
• Work outside the breeding season,
• Tree felling outside the breeding season,
• The use of metal scars,
• The right distance from the forests.

For many reasons, cable overhead lines are increasingly being replaced. However, this does not change the fact that classic overhead lines are still available in many places and it is difficult to completely eliminate their impact on the environment.