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– Contributed photo
MASON COUNTY – If you see low-flying helicopters in the area next week, do not be alarmed. Helicopter inspections of power lines are scheduled in Mason County next week.
“ITC will be conducting aerial patrols of the high-voltage transmission structures and lines in Michigan from Sept. 8 through Oct. 3, weather permitting,” states a press release. “The helicopter patrols are conducted to provide an overall status of the overhead transmission system that is operated by ITC’s Michigan operating entities, ITCTransmission and Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (METC).”
-Contributed photo
“Please note, the helicopters will be flying lower than usual near the transmission lines during these inspections, which is no cause for concern for area residents,” stated ITC Senior Integrated Communications Specialist Grace Turner.
The aerial inspections are scheduled across most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Mason County’s inspections are scheduled for Sept. 8-11.
“These patrols are a North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) requirement for ITC’s vegetation management program, support proactive maintenance objectives and are in line with the company’s model for operational excellence,” states the press release. “They include inspections of all transmission structures and equipment including, but not limited to monopoles, steel towers, wood poles, conductors (wires), insulators and other equipment.
“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.”
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