Since the early 1970s, co-location of linear facilities (which includes the concepts of joint use of existing rights-of-way, paralleling of existing rights-of-way, multiple use [by various facilities] of existing rights-of-way, etc.) has been advocated as a means of reducing overall impacts associated with the construction of new linear facilities. Overall impacts may be reduced if a new linear facility is co-located with a well-sited existing linear facility. However, several factors affect the degree to which co-location offers benefits when siting linear facilities. Factors that affect the success of co-location include inconsistent siting criteria for different types of facilities (e.g., overhead facilities, such as electric transmission lines, versus underground facilities, such as pipelines) and reliability and safety issues for the co-located facilities. Additional effects of co-location on the landowners currently affected by an existing right-of-way must be considered in determining the advantages and viability of co-locating new facilities. Both utilities and regulatory agencies should consider not only the broad advantages of co-location, but also site-specific and landowner-related issues if co-location is to be used in the most advantageous manner.
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