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CEC-PIER: Funded Projects
Bird Electrocution Mitigation Web Site and Product Encyclopedia
Contract #:500-01-032
Contractor: University of California, Santa Cruz
Subcontractor: EDM International, Inc.
Subcontract Project Manager: Richard E. Harness
Contract Project Manager: Brian James Walton
Commission Project Manager: Linda Spiegel
Commission Contract Manager: Linda Spiegel
Final Report www.energy.ca.gov/2007publications/CEC-500-2007-001/CEC-500-2007-001.PDF
Website
http://bems.edmlink.com/
The Issue
Negative interactions between birds and power structures seriously affect both the cost of electrical service and mortality of avian species, especially large birds such as raptors. In the US birds cause more power outages and quality disturbances than any other group of animals. It is estimated that these disruptions cost up to $1 billion per year in California. La Roe et al. (1995) found that in a sample of 4,300 eagle deaths investigated by the US Department of Interior, electrocution was the second most frequent cause of death of golden eagles and the third of bald eagles.
One step toward reducing avian fatalities and electricity disruption is to insure the availability of information regarding retrofitting products and procedures to utility engineers and linemen. At present there is no comprehensive compilation of information specifically dealing with California construction code General Order No. 95—Rules for Overhead Electric Line Construction compliance, nor is there a central location presents and compares retrofitting products available.
Project Description
EDM will assemble the Bird Electrocution Mitigation Web Site and Product Encyclopedia. The site will present typical California distribution overhead power line configurations associated with avian fatalities along with recognized-as-effective retrofitting solutions. These solutions will include perch management, isolation, and insulation technologies that are consistent with California regulations.
This interactive, menu-driven database will allow utility engineers and linemen to quickly determine how to best retrofit structures to California standards. Users will be able to enter information describing their problem and search for the appropriate solution. Pros and cons of product use, product specifications, vendor claims, installation techniques, problems of misapplications, plus vendor links and contact information will accompany images of merchandise. A secure forum section for utility testimonials on product satisfaction will be built into the site as well.
The database will be updated regularly to include new products as they become available. While funding to date will cover a year of maintenance and updates, EDM is confident that further funding will become available to continue the site.
Contact:
Brian Walton • (831) 459-2466
Rick Harness • (970) 204-4001 • info@edmlink.com
