Public Use of Rights-of-Ways

Dominion's large, high-voltage electric transmission lines run through urban and rural areas, and our "right-of-way" easements (cleared areas beneath the lines) sometimes attract the general public. Some easements have become especially popular among owners of all-terrain vehicles, bicycles and motorcycles.

Unfortunately, accidents have occurred, property has been damaged, and some areas have been used for dumping trash and other debris.

Dominion recommends that, in general, the rights-of-way should not be accessed or used by the public for off-road recreational activities or other purposes. In most cases, Dominion Virginia Power/Dominion North Carolina Power does not own the land on which a transmission line is located. Our company has a right-of-way on the property, obtained through an easement agreement with the property owner, for our facilities.

Permissions and Prohibited Activities

Anyone wanting to use the land for any purpose needs to obtain permission from each property owner along that right-of-way to perform activities on their land.
 
In addition, permission is required from Dominion Virginia Power/Dominion North Carolina Power to utilize the right-of-way for any public activity. However, our company will not grant this permission because of safety and liability issues and the erosion and land damage caused to the right-of-way, particularly by ATV abuse as well as trash dumping that often accompanies public activities.

In the cases that Dominion Virginia Power/Dominion North Carolina Power does own the land on which the transmission line is located, there are "No Trespassing" signs posted.

In addition, the following activities, objects or materials are not allowed on our rights-of-way:

  • Dumping of trash
  • Trash receptacles
  • Dumping of logs or stumps
  • Homes
  • Trailers
  • Garages
  • Barns
  • Sheds
  • Playhouses
  • Porches
  • Decks
  • Swimming pools
  • Satellite dishes
  • Television antennas
  • Wells
  • Septic tanks
  • Medium to large growing species of trees

Dominion appreciates your understanding and cooperation regarding this issue, and urges you to respect the rights of landowners. If you have additional questions, please contact us.

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NYSE : (March 12, 2010) D 39.69 0.04

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