Why does ATC have the right to remove trees near transmission lines?
As the owner of the electric transmission lines, ATC is responsible for ensuring that the facilities operate safely and reliably. Transmission lines are typically located on an easement. This easement provides a corridor of safety for protecting people and structures from the high voltage current, and to allow access for periodic maintenance. Within the easement, ATC will carry out its responsibility to clear the right-of-way, which may include cutting down trees and overhanging branches. In some instances (property owner’s permission, herbicide is used to reduce re-growth. What is a power line easement? When a power line is constructed, utilities typically acquire easements rather than purchase the property outright. An easement is a permanent, legal land right acquired by a utility to use the land or property of another for a special purpose. In this case, the easement grants ATC the right to build, operate and maintain a power line. Landowners retain ownership of their property, but
