Modules · Compliance studies · Module 016
FAC-003-5 Vegetation Management
Transmission vegetation management on applicable generator tie-line rights-of-way, with inspections and records on the plant.
About this module
What this module covers.
This module develops your compliance procedure for NERC FAC-003-5, Transmission Vegetation Management on applicable generator tie-line (gen-tie) rights-of-way, and applies it at each applicable plant. FAC-003-5 applies to overhead transmission lines operated at 200 kV or higher (and certain lower-voltage lines identified by the PC/TP) that extend more than one mile beyond the generating station switchyard or lack clear line of sight to the POI. This module covers applicability determination, development of a defense-in-depth Vegetation Management Program (VMP), annual inspections, and annual work plans. Many IBR plants are not applicable; the module scales accordingly.
Module: 016
Kind: Compliance studies
Governing body: NERC
Applies to: Before and after commercial operation
Typical time: About one week, all in
Dashboard capabilities
- Automated Compliance Workflow for FAC-003-5
Support services
What GridStrong does inside this module.
Task 1: Develop Compliance Procedure
- Determine FAC-003-5 applicability for each plant based on gen-tie length, voltage, and line-of-sight to the POI, and document non-applicability via attestation where appropriate.
- For applicable Plants, create an audit-ready compliance procedure and Vegetation Management Program (VMP) for meeting the FAC-003-5 requirements. This includes:
- Identifying applicable assets, functions, SMEs, roles, responsibilities, and ownership
- Determining specific actions and evidence to demonstrate compliance with specific requirements and measures (including MVCD encroachment prevention, annual inspections, and notification protocols)
- Conduct a gap analysis comparing current practices versus the standard requirements
- Develop clear step-by-step procedures for FAC-003-5 that align with internal controls and documentation policies
- Establish compliance timelines that align with standard implementation deadlines
- Define and determine specific compliance evidence per site
Task 2: Implementation of Compliance Procedure at each plant
- Gather all applicable documentation, models, data, etc. for each applicable plant, including gen-tie routing, span data, and prior vegetation inspection reports
- Conduct a thorough review of all existing plant data and documentation and compare against standard requirements and associated compliance procedures
- Recommend changes needed to meet NERC FAC-003-5 requirements
- Identify and explain the compliance timelines needed to implement recommended changes
Final deliverables
- Applicability determination (including attestation letters for non-applicable Plants).
- Vegetation Management Program and compliance procedure for FAC-003-5.
- Compliance report per applicable plant documenting methodology, findings, and recommendations.
What we need from you
- Your gen-tie line routing, voltage, and interconnection documentation.
- Existing Vegetation Management Program documentation (if any) and prior inspection reports.
Assumptions and considerations
How the scope is bounded.
- Many IBR plants will not be applicable to FAC-003-5; in those cases the scope is limited to attestation.
- You supply all required documentation and access to field services and engineering SMEs.
- We will use engineering judgment and best practices to support compliance preparedness.
Other modules
Every module runs on the same record.
Run this module on one site.
Tell us the plant and the deadline. An engineer confirms the inputs, the schedule and what the Dashboard needs from you.