Hydro One Forestry Superintendent Jake Zink explains why trees need to be cut near power lines in LaSalle, April 17, 2016.  (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)Hydro One Forestry Superintendent Jake Zink explains why trees need to be cut near power lines in LaSalle, April 17, 2016. (Photo by Mike Vlasveld)
Windsor

Hydro One Chopping Dangerous Vegetation

Public safety concerns have Hydro One cutting trees along a corridor from south Windsor into LaSalle.

The work started Tuesday.

Hydro One Forestry Superintendent Jake Zink says there are about 100 trees growing too close to power lines.

"The trees don't actually have to contact the lines or the conductors," he explains. "The electricity will bridge an air gap. And in the heat of summer, when everyone's running their air conditioners, that conductor will actually sag. It can drop as much as 10 ft or more."

Zink says that corridor is very accessible to the public and if someone were to be in the vicinity of a tree touching one of those lines, it could create a very bad situation.

"You can have some very serious health concerns or safety concerns," he adds. "And obviously it could put that circuit out too, which would affect the power of many residents."

Hydro One cut vegetation in the 6 km stretch from Malden Rd. in Windsor to LaSalle Woods park back in 2010.

Zink says they're going to be discussing long-term options with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Town of LaSalle and City of Windsor in the near future.

Last month, LaSalle Mayor Ken Antaya expressed concern over Hydro One clear-cutting the area.

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