Appe Bush Clearing
Appe Bush Clearing
REFERENCE REV
ESKASABG3 1
TITLE: STANDARD FOR BUSH CLEARANCE DATE: MAY 2000
AND MAINTENANCE WITHIN PAGE 1 OF 14
OVERHEAD POWERLINE REVISION DATE:
SERVITUDES MAY 2003
COMPILED BY FUNCTIONAL RESP. AUTHORIZED BY
Contents
Page
1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................. 2
2 Normative references..................................................................................................................... 2
3 Definitions ...................................................................................................................................... 2
4 Requirements................................................................................................................................. 3
4.1 General requirements for all bush clearing of powerline servitude routes ............................ 3
4.2 Procedure to be followed in determining bush clearing requirements................................... 7
4.3 Bush clearing requirements for new powerline construction projects.................................... 10
4.4 Bush clearing requirements for the maintenance of existing powerline servitudes............... 11
Annexes
A Bush clearing checklist to determine actions required (see 4.2.2) ................................................ 12
B Sketch plan for bush clearing specifications.................................................................................. 13
C Minimum clearances and general servitude widths ...................................................................... 14
MGM/jj/AS-21/Mar’00
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1 Scope
This standard sets out the manner in which all initial powerline route clearing and any subsequent
vegetation maintenance is to be performed within all Eskom powerlines servitudes.
It sets the minimum standards for bush clearing and maintenance of all powerline routes and indicates
Eskom's rights and responsibilities.
2 Normative references
The following documents contain provisions that, through reference in the text, constitute
requirements of this standard. At the time of publication the editions indicated were valid. All
standards are subject to review and parties to agreements based on this standard are encouraged to
investigate the possibility of applying the most recent revisions of the standards listed below.
Information on currently valid national and international standards may be obtained from the
Information Centre at Megawatt Park and Technology Standardization Department.
CD/P 070, Pruning and cutting of trees near energised power lines.
Commercial Timber Growers Guideline for: Maintenance and management agreement in forest
plantation areas and servitude areas (available from Eskom’s Legal department).
3 Definitions
3.1 commercial timber growers: Timber growers, both individually or as represented by the Forest
Owners Association, South African Wattle Growers Union or the South African Timber Growers
Association and their personnel. (Commercial Timber Growers Guideline)
3.2 environment: The surroundings within which humans exist and that are made up of:
a) the land, water and atmosphere of the earth;
c) any part or combination of (i) and (ii) and the interrelationships among and between them; and
d) the physical, chemical, aesthetic and cultural properties and conditions of the foregoing that
influence human health and well-being. (National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act 107
of 1998))
3.4 plantation: Any trees planted and managed by commercial timber growers for commercial
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3.5 servitude: Eskom servitudes registered in the Deeds Office as well as rights obtained in terms of
an agreement.
3.6 weeds and invader plants: Weeds and invader plants, as defined under Section 1 of the
Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, 1983 (Act 43 of 1983) and Government Notice R1048 of
25 May 1984 Part 2, or any list of invaders as may be agreed upon between Eskom and the Timber
Industry or as identified by the Agricultural Research Council and the Plant Protection Research
Institute (Handbook No.5 – Plant Invaders of Southern Africa).
4 Requirements
4.1 General requirements for all bush clearing of powerline servitude routes
The objective of powerline route bush maintenance is to ensure the safe mechanical and electrical
operation of the powerline and to meet Eskom’s legal, business and environmental obligations and to
minimize the risk to affected landowners and the general public.
“No tree shall be allowed to grow to a height in excess of the horizontal distance of that tree from the
nearest conductor of any powerline or to grow in such a manner as to endanger the line should it fall
or be cut down”.
4.1.2 For all practical purposes, tree cutting shall be confined to the building restriction area as
referred to in the servitude.
4.1.3 In terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act 85 of 1993), “The supplier or
user of powerlines shall control vegetation in order to prevent it from encroaching on the minimum
safety clearances of the power lines and the owner of the vegetation shall permit such control”.
4.1.4 The objective in clearing powerline servitudes of trees and bushes is to ensure the safe
mechanical and electrical operation of the line and to change from incompatible to compatible
vegetation.
4.1.5 The scope of works and/or requirements for bush clearing shall be determined in accordance
with the procedure set out in section 4.2.
4.1.6 Bush clearing for new powerline projects shall be carried out in accordance with the standards
set out in section 4.3.
4.1.7 Bush clearing for existing powerline servitudes shall be carried out in accordance with the
standards set out in section 4.4.
4.1.8 All bush clearing that is to take place within a forest plantation shall conform to the Commercial
Timber Growers Guideline: Maintenance and Management Agreement in Forest Plantation Areas and
Servitude Areas between Eskom and Commercial Timber Growers.
4.1.9 To promote the implementation of a three year programme for bush clearing (herbicide)
contracts.
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4.1.10 In terms of Eskom’s servitude agreement, Eskom (and/or its appointed contractor) has the
right to enter and be upon the property at any time whether it to be to perform work on the property
itself, or to gain access to any adjacent property. However, Eskom will exercise due diligence in its
attempts to notify the owner of any intention to enter the property to cut trees and bush and endeavour
to obtain consent to the proposed work.
4.1.11 In order to assist with access, Eskom may erect such gates as may be necessary, in
consultation with the property owner. Under no circumstances shall access be gained by cutting or
“dropping” fences. All gates shall be left closed and the Eskom servitude gates shall be securely
locked at all times.
a) Various species of indigenous trees and bush on private land are protected by law (National Forest
Act, 1998 (Act 84 of 1998)) in terms of which it is necessary to obtain a permit from the relevant
authority in order to cut them.
c) Where there is any doubt as to whether a tree specie is protected or not, the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism or the local Eskom environmental practitioner in the area shall
be consulted.
d) Indigenous trees and bushes that do not grow high enough to cause interference with the
powerline or cause a fire hazard, shall not be cut down or trimmed.
a) The use of herbicides shall be in compliance with the terms of The Fertilisers, Farm Feeds,
Agricultural Remedies and Stock Remedies Act, 1947 (Act 36 of 1947).
b) In terms of the above Act, only a registered pest control operator may apply herbicides on a
commercial basis. All application of herbicides shall be carried out under the supervision of a
registered pest control operator.
c) The Eskom Corporate Policy (ESKPBAAD4) and Standard (ESKASAAL0) on Herbicide use shall
be adhered to.
d) A daily register shall be kept of all relevant details of herbicide usage and such register maintained
by the relevant Eskom custodian.
4.1.14 General
a) Deep valleys and environmentally sensitive areas that do not allow vehicle access, or legally
protected areas, shall not be cleared of vegetation provided that the vegetation poses no threat to
the operation and reliability of the powerline. In the case of the construction of new powerlines a
one metre “trace-line” may be cut through the vegetation for stringing purposes only and no vehicle
access shall be allowed along the cleared “trace-line”.
b) Reasonable measures to prevent soil erosion shall be implemented at all times. If soil erosion
does take place within the servitude area as a direct result of an act or omission by the land
owner/user or Eskom, corrective measures, in consultation with the other party, shall be
implemented and the cost borne by the party at fault.
c) Rivers, watercourses and other water bodies shall be kept clear of felled trees, bush cuttings and
debris. Where possible, the integrity of riverbanks shall be maintained.
d) Aesthetic consideration shall be taken into account where powerlines cross major roads and rivers
or enter dense bush or woodland. An attempt will be made to ensure that all clearing will be
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performed in a manner so as to leave a screen of vegetation in the servitude on each side of the
road or river or at the start of the dense bush or woodland.
e) Trees, shrubs, grass, natural features and topsoil, that are not removed, shall be protected from
damage during operations. Scalping of the earth, or any necessary disturbance, shall be allowed
for access roads only.
f) The specification for re-vegetation of disturbed areas will be issued on an area specific basis by
Eskom.
g) It shall be ascertained from the property owner concerned whether he/she wishes to retain the cut
trees and bushes. If not, they shall be removed or disposed of or treated (chipping) in an
appropriate manner to the satisfaction of the owner. Burning shall not be permitted under any
circumstance.
h) Where it is desirable to cut trees beyond the servitude building restriction width, the consent of the
owner shall be obtained where no special agreement exists.
j) Any damage to property, including but not limited to, crops, stock, fencing and gates, shall be
compensated, repaired or replaced at the contractor’s expense, to the satisfaction of Eskom and
the landowner.
k) Where possible, vegetation clearance for servitudes shall be performed so that the servitude
boundaries are curved and undulating (narrow at tower positions and wide at the lowest point of
the conductor). See figure 1 below.
Tower
Centre Line
Tower
1) remain on all existing roads and tracks and within the servitude area and not deviate
therefrom;
2) keep Eskom gates locked and leave property owners’ gates closed or as agreed to in writing
between Eskom and the land owner;
7) not litter;
10) not disturb or remove stones/rock from the site (i.e. archaeological and heritage sites).
a) He or she knows and understands the dangers involved in clearing bush in or around powerlines
and the dangers of the spread of fire.
c) He or she understands that he/she must be authorized by the relevant Eskom representative, in
writing in terms of Eskom’s ORHVS regulations. Eskom must declare him or her competent.
d) He or she is a competent person and is a registered pest control operator or shall ensure that any
chemical clearing shall be done under the supervision of a registered pest control operator.
e) He or she is able to and shall comply with, all legislation pertaining to the nature of the work to be
done and all things incidental thereto.
f) He or she shall appoint a land owner liaison officer, who shall personally contact all affected land
owners and users telephonically or in writing and obtain their permission before any trees or
bushes are cut, regardless of any previous arrangements or agreements. This shall not be
applicable in the case where Eskom has undertaken this requirement.
g) For all affected powerlines a list of property owners shall be supplied, by Eskom, to the
contractor to enable him to obtain the owners’ consent.
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8 8 8
Proposal to have Produce an Award contract or Monitor and
Powerline servitude Environmental undertake bush ensure
cleared of necessary Management clearing based on conformance
vegetation (existing & Programme (EMP) EMP to EMP
new servitudes)
An environmental management programme (EMP) shall be developed and implemented for each
bush clearing contract awarded or internal project undertaken. This shall be done for new powerline
construction projects as well as for existing powerline servitude maintenance. The following steps
shall be undertaken in preparing the EMP for the required bush clearing operation:
11 A register of the number of fires, flash-overs (as a result of vegetation) and interference by
vegetation that resulted in reduced quality from supply of the powerline in question
4.2.2 Identify and/or predict the bush clearing problems and actions to be taken to
solve them
Have all the problems associated with bush clearing on the powerline route been identified?
a) The existing or potential problem areas shall be indicated on a sketch plan (see annex B) based on
a site inspection of the powerline route (existing or proposed). For each issue identified, the action
to be taken shall be determined.
b) Action to be taken shall be based on the information obtained in 4.2.1 and shall conform to the
standard set out in sections 4.3 and 4.4 depending on whether the bush clearing is for a new
powerline construction project or maintenance of an existing powerline servitude respectively.
c) The actions to be taken shall be based on scientific and technical knowledge and experience. The
actions shall strike a balance between ensuring the protection of the environment, minimal damage
to landowner’s property and shall ensure the integrity of the powerline’s quality of supply.
f) Once an assessment of the powerline route has been undertaken and the required actions are
determined, these shall be discussed with the affected landowners. Their concerns with regard to
the proposed actions shall be addressed.
Once the assessment of the powerline route has been undertaken it shall be integrated into the
project documentation (contract scope of work or work instruction).
a) For each action required, detailed specifications (see sketch plan in annex B) shall be drawn up
including:
2) the area to be cleared (the width to be cleared under powerline, access road, servitude width
and the area around structures).
3) the height to be cleared (for cutting of grass and reeds, access road, strip under powerline,
servitude width as well as trimming of trees).
5) removal of vegetation (requirements for the removal or chipping or cutting-up and stacking of
the cut vegetation).
6) timing (when bush clearing is to take place ie time of year, day and time – if required).
7) notification (all land owners/users shall be notified and their consent obtained before entering
property to carry out bush clearing, and any other special requirements).
b) The actions in 4.2.3(a) constitute the EMP and it shall be integrated into the scope of work or work
description as part of tender documents and subsequent contracts or a work instruction when
undertaken by Eskom staff.
a) Once the EMP has been prepared and the contract scope of works, or work instruction determined,
a project manager shall be appointed, an enquiry shall be prepared and issued and a contract
awarded when external contractors are used, or a work instruction issued when the work is to be
done by Eskom staff, and the bush clearing implemented. All contracts for bush clearing shall be
in terms of Eskom’s commercial requirements.
2) resolve disputes between land owners and those carrying out the bush clearing;
3) report all incidents in terms of the Group’s standard for the reporting and investigation of
incidents; and
4) ensure that those carrying out the bush clearing understand the requirements of the contract/
work instruction.
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c) The project manager shall inform the relevant Customer Service Centre Manager, in the case of
Distribution, and the applicable Regional Manager in the case of Transmission, of the proposed
bush-clearing project. The following details shall be furnished to them: the project location, the
time period, the project manager and contractor’s names and contact details.
a) Monitoring: There shall be a monitoring programme in place to not only ensure conformance with
the EMP through the contract/work instruction specifications but also to monitor environmental
issues and impacts that have not been accounted for in the EMP, that are, or could result in
significant environmental impacts for which corrective action is required. Monitoring shall form part
of the contract or work instruction. The period and frequency must be stipulated. The project
manager shall ensure that the monitoring is carried out.
b) Audit: The requirement for an audit shall be stipulated in the contract or work instruction. It shall
be undertaken within a specified period after completion of the work but before the contract is
signed off. The audit shall be used to identify non-conformances for which corrective action shall
be taken. Corrective actions shall take place before the contract is signed off. The audit shall also
be used to identify findings that can be used to improve further EMPs for bush clearing. The
auditor shall be appointed by the project manager.
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Annex A
(normative)
No. Issue Grass Declared Invader Reeds Sugar cane Forest Other Indigenous Action to be Justification
weed plantation taken
1 Access road
2 Tower position
4 Under and 2 m
beyond outer phases
5 Within servitude/
wayleave area
6 River crossings
vegetation
7 Road crossings
vegetation
8 Land owner/user
requirements
9 General comments
(erosion, soil type)
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Annex B
(normative)
8m
Clear all vegetation within proposed / existing tower position and within a maximum
(depending on the tower type and voltage) radius of 5m around the position, including de-
stumping / cutting stumps to ground level, treating with a herbicide and re-compaction of soil.
Max. 5m Access
road strip Shaded areas
indicate clearing for
vehicular access
5m 5m
Foundation
locations
5m
5m Line Orientation
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Annex C
(normative)
* Refer to the powerline deed of servitude or other agreement for the exact dimension of the
powerline servitude width in question.