Orcas Power & Light Cooperative in Washington state (San Juan County) is clearing the right-of-way areas under power lines to protect the island’s electrical system. This clearing prevents power outages caused by overhanging trees and branches, removes forest fuels that could feed a wildfire and improves safety and access for line crews during power outages. OPALCO is working with professional tree trimming crews on Orcas, Shaw, Lopez and San Juan Island during the month of December to remove trees and other vegetation under or near our power lines.
The removal of potentially hazardous trees around overhead transmission lines reduces outage times and helps all members of the cooperative to have a more reliable system and safer environment. If you see a potentially hazardous tree, please call OPALCO so that we can advise and assist in the tree’s removal. Please do not attempt to cut a dead or dying tree that is leaning towards power lines.
