George's Greenery: George and Southern CT's Power Lines

Removing a tree from wires while trains running

Our brush cutter being repaired in the field

I mentioned in my previous page that I worked for a period as United Illuminating's Transmission Arborist. The job involved managing the vegetation that encroaches the transmission power lines each year. My responsibilities were for 17 towns in Southern CT from New Haven/N. Branford/Hamden down to Fairfield/Easton/ Shelton/etc. I was in charge of all of UI's Transmission line liner rights-of-ways from 115 kv to 345 kv. These lines are typically the ones that you would see on 100' towers that go through wooded and city areas. In addition UI transmission lines are located above the Metro North Railroad lines from New Haven and Southport. The RR was especially challenging since MN rarely shuts down a RR track, so tree work has do be done along next to live trains going up to 70 mph. An outside consultant said that pruning trees along MN was one of the most difficult line clearance jobs he has seen anywhere in the US. The job provided different challenges from attaining consent from residential and commercial property owners to working closely with agencies such as the Metro North Railroad and the Regional Water Authority. I instructed and worked closely with tree workers from our sub-contractors; Lewis Tree Company and Aspludh Tree Service. Most of the work was done off road, something which I also enjoyed. I would often see deer and other animals during the course of my work days. Overall the job was an excellent experience and gave me a thorough understanding of the corporate environment also. During the couple of years I was working for UI we experienced Irene, Sandy and Albert (snowstorm). What a "Trial by Fire"! Working with our crews and crews from all over the US to restore power was an experience I will not soon forget!