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(Iowa) -- The Iowa Utilities Commission adopts new rules for large-scale transmission projects.
The IUC says the new rules are meant reduce the effects of large-scale projects on the public and surrounding environment. The new rules include:
- Prohibiting the construction of transmission structures that require guy wires (wires attached to the structure and to the ground that provide support) on pasture and crop land unless the landowner approves of the structure's construction
- Requires large-scale transmission projects to operate within a noise limit of 55 decibels for at least 50% of a one-hour measuring period taken at the edge of the total combined right-of-way
- Requires the electric field strength to be limited to no more than 6,000 volts per meter when measured one meter above the ground within the right of way
On August 4th, the IUC sent a letter to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to review the proposals for new transmission lines. The letter is available on the Iowa Utility Commission website.