Aerial tree trimming planned for western Wisconsin
Helicopter, air saw to be used along transmission line
MADISON, Wis. – A helicopter and heavy-duty air saw will be used beginning this week to trim trees along two existing 138,000-volt transmission lines from Montfort to Cassville and Cassville to Platteville.
American Transmission Co. has contracted with Aerial Solutions, Inc. to manage vegetation growth along its transmission line corridors. The helicopters used by Aerial Solutions are equipped with heavy-duty air saws and rotary blades, suspended on a 90- to 100-foot vertical boom.
When compared to the work of ground-based crews, the aerial saw has been highly efficient. “Typically it takes ground crews several days to accomplish what an aerial saw crew can in a few hours,” said Joe Benzschawel, ATC vegetation management specialist. “It could take two weeks for the aerial saw to complete work in this area since flight schedules are weather-dependent.”
Managing the growth of trees and other vegetation near high-voltage transmission lines is important to help ensure public safety and electric system reliability. ATC performs routine vegetation management on its 9,540 miles of transmission lines in five-year cycles.
Note to editors: A map indicating the planned aerial saw work can be found here. Video footage of similar vegetation management work can be found on our YouTube page. This routine vegetation management is not related to the proposed Cardinal-Hickory Creek Project.
