1. Construction and operation of distribution units
Direct impacts: generation of waste, consumption of water, electricity and fuels.
Indirect impacts: risks of soil, water and air pollution and reduced availability of renewable natural resources.
Impact treatment: guidance to employees on waste management, based on appropriate procedures, monitoring and targets for reducing consumption; recovery and reuse of waste, treatment and proper disposal of waste.
2. Maintenance of distribution line corridors
Direct impacts: contamination of soil and water, due to the handling of agricultural pesticides; impact on fauna and flora by suppression of vegetation; removal of native vegetation cover; erosive process risks; silting of water bodies by construction; maintenance of access.
Indirect impacts: barrier to the dispersion of some species and edge effects by alterations and disturbances in the boundary between forested and non-forested areas.
Impact treatment: strictly controlled suppression; selective cutting through the demarcation of individuals; realization of compensatory planting; erosion control caused by soil exposure; landscape restoration measures in facilities areas.
3. Equipment Operation
Direct impacts: risk of water and soil pollution due to the leakage of equipment containing oil or other dangerous substances; emission of greenhouse gases (SF6).
Indirect impacts: change in soil and water composition, damage to local biodiversity and global warming.
Impact treatment: preventive maintenance of equipment subject to leaks; use of absorbent blankets to prevent leaks; creation of Emergency Response Plans; use of appropriate storage equipment.
4. Substation Operation
Direct impact: noise generation.
Indirect impact: impacts on fauna.
Impact treatment: noise monitoring and preventive maintenance of substations.
5. Vegetal supression
Direct impacts: generation of organic waste from pruning and plant suppression; impacts on the flora and landscape.
Indirect impact: loss of habitat and biological wealth.
Impact treatments: pruning training with employees and dissemination of the Arborization Guide; establishment of agreements with local municipalities for the best disposal of waste.
Guide to Tree Planting and Public Green Areas
Planting trees in urban environments helps reduce the environmental impact from cities and benefits the health of local residents in a number of ways. However, planting trees on public thoroughfares needs to be managed appropriately to properly integrate the various species of tree, urban furniture and the electricity distribution network.
This is why EDP has published its Guide to Tree Planting and Public Green Areas.