The second phase of field studies of overhead power lines in the joint project between ERP North and BSPB under the EU LIFE Programme has been completed

Based on the conducted inspections of the network, the sections to be secured are indicated

The joint project of ERP North and the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds “Safe Sky for Birds in North-East Bulgaria”, which was launched at the end of 2022, is already in its real phase of implementation. Insulation materials were placed on more than 2044 electric poles and over 407 marking devices (diverters) were installed.

One of the project activities is to carry out a bird mortality survey on key air power lines in the territory of the ERP North in order to identify priority areas for the placement of protection facilities. As is known, Bulgaria is located on a major migratory corridor of migratory birds in Europe. In the section of the Balkan Peninsula, it is known as Via Pontica and hundreds of thousands of birds from Central and Eastern Europe pass through it. The most intensive is the migration of birds in the eastern parts of the country, especially in the zone up to 80-100 km. west of the Black Sea coast. Within the area of operational activity of ERP North, which coincides with the project territory, the most intensive migration is in the districts of Varna, Dobrich, Shumen and Silistra.

The main objective of the second stage of field studies conducted by BSPB experts is to establish the impact of the medium-voltage power distribution network as a factor in potential bird mortality in 28 specially protected areas under Natura 2000 and key corridors between them. When conducting, along with the results of the preliminary analysis of the territory, the experts also integrated the information obtained in 2023, which allowed them to make a targeted and justified selection for sites for inspection. In the areas subject to the study, power distribution lines with a total linear length of about 559 km were bypassed, and 7,945 pillars were marked.

The active activities of the ERP North on the project will continue throughout the year, with priority to secure overhead power lines and poles noted in the study report.