Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution and Southern Electric Power Distribution
SSEN NIA Programme Delivery Manager – Joe McNeil
Click here to send a question to the contact.
Network Innovation Allowance
ED - Network improvements and system operability
Environmental
£187,759.00
The purpose of this project is to investigate if using IVM can reduce the operational expenditure, number of re-visits, exposure to hazardous activities and impact on the environment compared to traditional techniques.
There is a project plan in place to cover the following steps;
- Determine current knowledge about IVM strategies in the USA and elsewhere by reviewing existing literature and other information sources
- Literature review to assess current equipment and methods.
- Decide management objectives and the range of herbicides and equipment to be used.
- Carry out a baseline site and vegetation survey to understand the site specific plant succession applicable at Tongham Railway site.
- Carry out a baseline ecology survey and ‘willingness to pay’ survey.
- Set up the trial, with different treatment options and control areas at Tongham Railway.
- Monitor the effectiveness of the various methods used at Tongham Railway.
- Monitor the changes in habitats for wildlife.
- Results from the trial will be used to make a comparison between the current method and the innovative method and to assess the viability of the innovative method from a consideration of financial and environmental factors.
- Determine current knowledge about IVM strategies in the USA and elsewhere by reviewing existing literature and other information sources
- Design IVM strategies based on current knowledge and test them in the field
- Implement IVM strategies on trial site(s)
- Quantify any financial savings of IVM compared to conventional techniques
- Assess the relative value of biodiversity of the habitat arising from the IVM compared to conventional techniques
The success of the project will be defined by the following outcomes;
- Identification of the extent to which IVM can control trees returning and how effective it is as a tool to maintain regulatory standards around power lines.
- Determine if IVM is a cost effective method in the UK
- Production and dissemination of learning around IVM