Orcas Power & Light Cooperative performs an aggressive Right-Of-Way (ROW) maintenance program to help create a reliable electrical system. We trim and remove trees and other vegetation growing under or near our power lines to reduce the frequency of power interruptions by overhanging branches and trees and create easier access for our line crews to make line repairs thus shorten outage times. The removal of potentially hazardous trees helps all members of the cooperative to have a more reliable system and a safer environment. Following are some frequently asked questions about our vegetation / tree-trimming program:
What should a member do when they want to remove a tree on their property that is growing close to the power lines?
To remove a tree that is in close proximity to our energized lines is a dangerous situation. Please call OPALCO so that we can advise and assist in the removal of a hazardous tree.
What about a danger tree that threatens our power lines that is outside of our ROW?
Our crews are always vigilant about inspecting our lines and when a danger tree that threatens our lines is noticed, we work with the property owner and get permission to remove the tree that is deemed a potential hazard to our electrical system. Please do not attempt to cut a dead or dying tree that is leaning heavily toward our lines. Call OPALCO so that we can advise and assist in its removal.
Why does OPALCO cut small trees that are growing under the lines when it would be many years before they would get into our power lines?
It is definitely more cost effective for us to remove small trees early by hand cutting or by mobile power mowing the area underneath the lines than to trim or cut the tree down when the tree is growing in and around the energized lines. Another reason is that by keeping the area under the lines clear, it gives the line crews better access to our lines when restoration in needed during a power interruption.
What happens to the trees and limbs and brush after we cut it in our ROW?
OPALCO maintains a minimum of 10 foot ROW on each side of our lines and we try to remove or trim to this specification so that we can have a certain number of years before the need to return to the area. We will chip up the brush and limbs and give the wood chips to members that have called our office indicating an interest in them. There will be times, when we will just fall the trees and leave them in the woods when access to chipping is not feasible. The trees are the property of the land owners and are left for them, unless other arrangements are made. Occasionally, in remote areas, we will blow the chips into the woods to decompose.
For more information, contact Todd Shaner, Operations Manager.