The City of Hillsboro hereby establishes comprehensive guidelines and procedures for managing vegetation around electric utility infrastructure. Its primary goal is to minimize the risk of power outages, equipment damage, and safety hazards due to vegetation encroachment on power lines and associated equipment. This policy is applicable to all employees, contractors, vendors, and individuals engaged in vegetation management within the city.
Objectives:
1. Conduct regular vegetation management to prevent the encroachment of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation on power lines, substations, transformers, and other critical equipment.
2. Prioritize the safety of employees, contractors, and the public by identifying and mitigating potential hazards posed by vegetation near electrical infrastructure.
3. Enhance the reliability and availability of electrical services by reducing the risk of tree-related power outages and equipment damage.
4. Undertake vegetation management with a commitment to environmental sustainability and the preservation of natural habitats whenever possible.
Practices:
1. Develop and periodically review a comprehensive plan to identify high-risk areas, prioritize tasks, and allocate resources effectively.
2. Clear and maintain vegetation within designated rights-of-way according to industry best practices and regulatory requirements, ensuring sufficient clearance from power lines.
3. Perform selective pruning and trimming to maintain safe clearance while minimizing impact on aesthetics and tree health.
4. Identify and address hazard trees that pose an imminent risk to electrical infrastructure due to structural defects, disease, or other conditions.
5. Employ approved herbicides judiciously to control invasive vegetation and prevent regrowth, in compliance with laws, regulations, and best practices.
6. Establish effective communication and collaboration with local authorities, environmental agencies, landowners, and the community to ensure compliance, transparency, and community involvement.
7. Maintain accurate records of vegetation management activities, including assessments, work orders, inspections, and treatment records, for auditing and future planning.
Training and Education:
1. Ensure all personnel involved in vegetation management receive training on safety procedures, equipment operations, environmental compliance, and relevant regulations.
2. Provide ongoing training and education to keep employees and contractors informed on new techniques, technologies, and best practices.
3. Provide customer service instructions to ensure that employees and contractors interact with customers in an appropriate and effective manner.
Compliance and Auditing:
1. Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, industry standards, and internal policies.
2. Investigate any deviations promptly and take corrective actions as necessary.
Policy Review:
This policy shall be reviewed regularly or following significant organizational, regulatory, or industry changes, to ensure it remains current and effective.
Policy Enforcement:
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to termination of employment or legal action, depending on the severity of the breach and applicable laws.
(4-16-2024)