WEC's Right-of-Way Program
When a tree grows into a power line, one of two scenarios may occur. First,
a broken branch could fall onto the line, breaking the electrical wire. This
could cause a power outage, sometimes to a wide geographical area and affecting
a large number of people. The broken wire (which could still be "live")
could dangle from the utility line, causing a potential hazard to those in the
area. If someone touches the line, or even touches the ground around the line,
they could be killed instantly or at least severely injured.
Another potential injury could occur if someone tries climbing a tree extending
into a power line. The weight of their body may cause a limb to touch the electrical
wires, sending electricity from the wire, through the branch, and into the person.
The person could be severely injured from the shock, knocked from the tree causing
further injury, or killed instantly.
While outages are inconvenient and costly to the cooperative and its members,
it is the personal injuries that cooperative officials worry about the most.
To help alleviate these scenarios, the cooperative has implemented a comprehensive
tree trimming, or right-of-way program. When possible, branches and limbs
are just cut back from the lines, but when offending trees are located within
20 feet on either side of the utility line, Webster prefers to remove the tree
to eliminate the hazard completely. The graphic below (provided by the
National Arbor Day Foundation) illustrated the appropriate right-of-way for
utility lines.
Our goals include:
-
the safety of the member, the linemen and the right-of-way
crews
-
education of members in the reasoning behind tree trimming
-
to clear and maintain the system on a regular rotation
-
to find the most productive, cost-effective method and system
for keep a clear right of way
-
to leave the members happier than we found them, through complete
education, superior trimming services and an effective tree replacement
program
Tree Replacement Program
If the cooperative needs to completely remove your yard tree,
we will replace it at no cost, with one of the following trees:
- Red Bud
- Bradford Pear
- Dogwood
- Red Oak
- Hard Maple
- Willow
- Birch
- Purple Ash
The five gallon replacement trees are all 5 to 6 feet tall, except the Dogwoods,
which are 3 to 4 feet tall.
The replacement trees must be planted according to the chart above.
If you would like to report a tree encroaching a power line, you
may call our Right-of-Way Manager Suzy Hemenway at 859-2216 x125.