Tree in and under power lines is a huge problem. Why OPPD does not require a 30 foot right of way with nothing taller than 8 to 10 feet is beyond comprehension. Asplund has a great deal going on. They run around every 5-7 year rotation through the area with 3-7 people with their pocket knifes cutting switches.They spend days climbing up trees cutting branches at a minimum. Some crews will stand up and tell the tree owner the trees must be cut but relent on taking them to the ground. Then when you tell them to cut them off at the ground they whip out their pocket knives and whittle. Oppd should have a lead person that goes around checking on these crews and contacting the land owner. If the land owner wants the trees whacked to the ground that is what happens. It would save a huge amount of tree trimming time and repairs when wind and snow take trees down. If the land owner refuses taking the trees out, they should be required to have extra insurance to pay for damages to OPPD for parts and labor, in addition cover all expenses to anyone on that line that looses power because of that persons tree falling in the lines. Give them a choice, but put them on the hook not rate payers.
Underground in old neighborhoods would be a nightmare. Cable and phone lines are barely in the ground, a shovel at best and who knows were the crew laid the line. Serious juice like oppd's needs to be 24" in the ground with tape above it to warn you are about to hit the line. I believe new areas are being buried.
Tree in and under power lines is a huge problem. Why OPPD does not require a 30 foot right of way with nothing taller than 8 to 10 feet is beyond comprehension. Asplund has a great deal going on. They run around every 5-7 year rotation through the area with 3-7 people with their pocket knifes cutting switches.They spend days climbing up trees cutting branches at a minimum. Some crews will stand up and tell the tree owner the trees must be cut but relent on taking them to the ground. Then when you tell them to cut them off at the ground they whip out their pocket knives and whittle. Oppd should have a lead person that goes around checking on these crews and contacting the land owner. If the land owner wants the trees whacked to the ground that is what happens. It would save a huge amount of tree trimming time and repairs when wind and snow take trees down. If the land owner refuses taking the trees out, they should be required to have extra insurance to pay for damages to OPPD for parts and labor, in addition cover all expenses to anyone on that line that looses power because of that persons tree falling in the lines. Give them a choice, but put them on the hook not rate payers.
Underground in old neighborhoods would be a nightmare. Cable and phone lines are barely in the ground, a shovel at best and who knows were the crew laid the line. Serious juice like oppd's needs to be 24" in the ground with tape above it to warn you are about to hit the line. I believe new areas are being buried.