What does the "peripheral zone" refer to?

The term "peripheral zone" typically refers to an area situated outside the main operational or regulated zones of a specific facility or infrastructure project. In this context, it specifically denotes the area that lies outside the right-of-way of utility installations, where taller species of vegetation may potentially be present and need to be monitored for their impact on utility operations.

Monitoring these taller species is important because they can affect safety, accessibility, and maintenance of utility lines, especially if they are near the periphery of the right-of-way. This area serves a vital role in ensuring that the growth of vegetation does not interfere with the operation of the utility network, which could lead to outages or safety hazards. Therefore, the peripheral zone is significant for maintaining clear space around utility lines while also being aware of ecological impacts.