Landowners
Frequently Asked Questions
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- What compensation will be given to landowners where the line crosses private land?
MATL is currently negotiating compensation with each landowner. The level of compensation will depend on many factors, including but not limited to:- Land use (e.g. crops vs. grazing).
- Type and number of structures MATL will place on the land.
- The requirement for future access rights to the land.
- (See Mitigating Impacts)
- What is the impact of transmission lines on property values?
MATL has commissioned a study regarding land values throughout the Canadian portion of the MATL route. This study was prepared by licensed appraisers at Serecon Land Valuation and Agricultural Consulting.
Based on Serecon’s findings, MATL’s offers for land value represent a premium on the market value of the subject land. According to Serecon, the market value of the subject property considered many factors, including proximity to the nearest farming centres, proximity to existing farming operations, and productivity of the soils. The existence of transmission infrastructure is only one factor out of many that would be considered by a prospective purchaser.
Ongoing annual payments are designed to offset any financial impact the transmission infrastructure has on farming operations, and as such, will alleviate the impact that the transmission infrastructure would have on the resale of the subject agricultural property. - Can tractors or other vehicles be parked under the transmission line?
Yes. A vehicle parked under a transmission line may pick up a small electrical charge because the rubber tires prevent the vehicle from being grounded (allowing the charge to dissipate into the ground). Under these circumstances, an individual entering or exiting the vehicle could experience a small shock as the electricity passes from the vehicle through the person to the ground. Aside from being a nuisance, the shock causes no physical harm. - Can vehicles be re-fuelled under the transmission line?
No. It is possible for a spark to be produced unless both the vehicle and the fuel container are grounded. Re-fueling vehicles in proximity to the transmission line should be avoided. - Will the transmission line affect fences?
It is possible for a fence to pick up a small electrical charge that would be an irritant to livestock. MATL will take measures to ensure proper grounding of fences and other metal structures near the transmission line. Any construction in the right of way requires the prior written consent of MATL. Electrical charges do not normally build up in buildings close to power lines because plumbing, wiring, foundations and other building components provide good grounding. It is, however, not advisable to build directly beneath or too close to a power line. - Does the overhead line impact livestock?
No. Extensive studies in the U.S., Sweden and Canada indicate exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) associated with transmission lines poses no harmful effect to farm animals. - Will cattle rubbing against poles cause problems?
The poles MATL will employ can withstand the rubbing of cattle. Any soil dishing that occurs around the base of the pole will be eliminated during regular maintenance checks. - Can new buildings or structures be constructed beneath the transmission line?
It is not advisable to build directly beneath or too close to a power line. If you are planning new construction in the right of way, contact MATL for further direction. - Will the line impact communication signals: e.g. cell phone, radio, television reception, high-speed internet, two-way radio?
If current reception of radio and T.V. signals is good then it is highly unlikely these signals will be affected by the transmission line. If reception is weak before the line is built, the new transmission line may have an effect on the signal. Landowners with concerns about potential interference with satellite, GPS receiver, wireless internet, television, radio and other communication devices should contact MATL. MATL will initiate studies to determine the problem and find solutions. Houses within two miles (3.2 km) of the proposed power line are offered this free service. If the problems are caused by MATL’s facilities, MATL will correct the problem at its own expense. - Who will maintain the area around the poles?
Montana Alberta Tie Ltd. leases the right of way. The landowner owns the land and continues to farm it. MATL maintains practices that will avoid introducing weeds to the area around the poles and will contract a vegetation management company to control weeds that are introduced. Vegetation control plans will be reviewed with the appropriate government agencies on an ongoing basis.