Analysis of the environmental effects of logging conducted for energy lines in forests (Artvin Ortaköy forest management case)

In the present study, the environmental impacts of 154 Kw Meydancık Bayram HPP-Artvin II Power Transmission Line located within the borders of Ortaköy Forest Management Directorate under Artvin Forest Management Directorate were investigated. The study was conducted in divisions 285, 286, 321, where the energy lines were located, and the densest logging activities were conducted. The environmental impacts on physical, chemical, ecological and social structure due to production activities (logging, dragging, loading and transportation) in these divisions were investigated. In order to determine the physical (permeability, moisture, water holding capacity, bulk density, fine and crude part and texture) and chemical (pH, organic matter) effects of the soil in divisions 285, 286 and 321, soil samples were collected in two depth levels (0-10 cm and 10- 20 cm) and analyzed to determine permeability, water holding capacity (moisture equivalent), bulk density, mechanical analysis (texture determination), soil reaction (ph), and organic matter content. A situation analysis was conducted to determine sociological and environmental impacts. Conducted analyzes and assessments demonstrated that the construction of 154 Kw Meydancık Bayram HEPP-Artvin II Energy Transmission Line through the divisions 285, 286 and 321 in Ortaköy Forest Management Directorate had various negative effects on the ecosystem. Based on the sources, these effects were categorized into 2 groups: 1) The physical and chemical effects of the production activities conducted on the transmission line route on the soil, and 2) The effects on the sociological and ecological structure that would be observed after the completion of the line. The physical and chemical analyzes of the soil samples collected in the study area demonstrated that the wood extraction work based on manpower had a significant impact on soil permeability, bulk density and soil water balance, leading to adverse effects on soil organisms, plant root growth, plant nutrients and water intake of the plants, and slowing the tree growth in time. Concurrently, it was determined that wood extraction work reduced the soil organic matter and nutrient content significantly. Review of the situation analysis results conducted to investigate the effects of wood extraction and the construction of transmission lines demonstrated that the most significant impact of logging was due to the random release of excavated soil on the slopes and resulting destruction of land structure and the flora. Review of the effects of wood extraction demonstrated that the most significant factor was the increase of fungus and insect damages in trees injured in the process. Review of the effects that could be observed during and after the construction of the transmission lines demonstrated that the most significant impact was on human and wildlife health due to the proximity of transmission lines to the settlements and negative impacts of electromagnetic fields on the health of the organisms inhabiting the area.