Grant: Engage Grants Program

The proposed research project is to address a company-specific problem to determine the minimum separationdistance between transmission lines and underground pipelines considering negative influences ofelectromagnetic interference on equipment, personnel and public safety. Although the company has investedsignificant funding and effort in this area, however, so far, there is no effective guideline to follow regardingthis minimum separation distance. An effective solution is urgently needed by the company. This study aims toprovide an assessment tool for determination of a minimum separation distance between transmission lines andunderground pipelines, and establish a guideline for different types of transmission structures within thecompany. The research results can be applied directly to the company's current practice, and serve as aguideline for future transmission line route selection. The company will share the results with other Canadianutilities facing the similar issue, which will improve the practice of utility companies Canada wide in thisparticular area and benefit Canadian customers. The research results will significantly reduce the spending onmitigation effort due to electromagnetic interference between transmission lines and underground pipelines,greatly improve the equipment, personnel and public safety.