Helicopter inspections of power lines to begin Sept. 22

-ITC photo

MASON COUNTY — ITC will conduct aerial patrols of high-voltage transmission structures, lines and equipment in Michigan through mid-November.

The helicopter patrols provide an overall status of vegetation management and maintenance needs of the overhead transmission system.

Separate patrols will take place for vegetation and maintenance monitoring. The aerial inspections will cover nearly all of the Lower Peninsula.

In Mason and Oceana counties, the vegetation patrol is scheduled for the week of Sept. 22-28, and the maintenance inspections are set for Oct. 26-30.

During these flights, crews check for damaged or worn equipment and vegetation hazards. The inspection flights are often conducted at low altitudes to allow accurate visual inspection of equipment for lightning damage, wear or other potential problems. This is normal procedure, so there is no cause for alarm if a low-flying helicopter is sighted near transmission lines.

For more information, visit ITCMichigan.com.

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