Mechanical vegetation management, corridor clearing, and access work applicable to utility and infrastructure right-of-way scopes — performed outside the minimum approach distances of energized conductors. Work inside those distances requires qualified line-clearance personnel under OSHA 1910.269(r). We do not hold that qualification and do not self-perform that scope. Stating it plainly is the first thing a utility buyer needs to know.
Scope
- Right-of-way and corridor vegetation management, outside approach distances
- Access road construction and maintenance to towers, poles, and facility sites
- Mechanical brush mowing and forestry mulching in easements
- Fuels reduction within corridors and easements
- Substation and facility perimeter vegetation, outside approach distances
- Danger-tree removal outside approach distances
- Storm debris clearing not involving conductors
- Erosion control, restoration, and reseeding after corridor work
What governs the work
Before the machine arrives
The approach-distance boundary
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269(r) permits only qualified line-clearance tree trimmers — trained on electrical hazards, minimum approach distances, and rescue procedures — to work within the limited approach boundary of energized conductors. Minimum approach distance begins at 10 feet for systems at or below 50 kV and increases above that. This is an enforced qualification requirement, not a best practice, and it is a scope we do not currently self-perform.
What sits outside that boundary
A substantial part of right-of-way work is mechanical vegetation and earthwork away from conductors: corridor clearing, access road construction and maintenance to towers and facility sites, brush mowing and mulching in easements, fuels reduction, substation perimeter vegetation, danger-tree removal outside the approach distance, and restoration afterward. That is the work described here, and it matches equipment already in use.
Season governs access
Corridors and easements in Northwest Montana are constrained by the same calendar as everything else here. Spring breakup closes soft approaches for weeks, fire-season restrictions close burning entirely and push slash toward mulching or haul-off, and snow closes higher ground before the calendar says winter. A schedule that accounts for those windows costs less than one that meets them by surprise.
Where our scope ends
Anything inside the minimum approach distance of an energized conductor, any work contacting or overhanging energized lines, and anything on or near a line after storm damage is outside our scope. That is a utility call, and it requires qualified line-clearance personnel we do not currently employ.
Capabilities most used here
Kalispell-based, 60-mile operating radius covering 27 communities. Service area.
Send us the scope
Describe the work, or send the plan set or solicitation number. We'll return a scoped number and say plainly if any portion falls outside what we self-perform.