Re: O/T Underground Cable

Posted by Billy NY on March 22, 2007 at 11:39:58 from (152.163.100.197):

In Reply to: O/T Underground Cable posted by Shane in IN on March 22, 2007 at 04:58:04:

When I read this, then see fiber optics mentioned, all that came to mind was $$$ ! Glad to hear as I'm sure you are, that it was an abandoned line.

This is is good post, as it is a reminder to make the one call center before you dig call, know what your right of way and easement criteria is and to be well informed across the board as best you can, keeping a file folder with all relevant information, documents, maps and or researching for items that should be in your folder and kept in your possession.

We have a 170'-0" wide easement that bisects our place here and I have to cross under those high voltage lines on their easement, we own both sides. They just came through, and the power company National Grid which was formerly Niagara-Mohawk hired a subcontractor Hawkeye, that has a branch in Syracuse, but is based out of Patchogue, on Long Island. 2 years ago they needed to build a road to gain access to the location where they built a tower foundation and last week erected a large galvanized steel tower that will suspend the lines to cross our 20 something acre pond and the state road. They also installed new wood poles for an additional circuit and to upgrade the existing circuit, besides the big one which I think was 70,000 + volts, I keep forgetting, it may be a lot more over 100,000. This easement has been left idle for years, but the local college, R.P.I. has been building some big projects and needs more power, so they had to increase the service.

Deed says I had to give them acess, now right from the start I could have been a pr$ck and if you think JDMaris is tough, try me next LOL ! Well I can be very harsh and know how to play the game LOL ! Probably comes from being in the construction industry I suppose, and being naturally diligent or when pushed and just plain not tolerating crap from people I guess. We had a bitter fight with the town over our old farm buildings and I was relentless to the point we emptied the state police barracks next door when it came close to getting violent, completely ruined the job for the contractor and paid zero for the demo due to a glitch we exposed in their condemnation process which set a new precedent for the town. It made the front page of the newspaper and really stirred the pot if you get my drift, sometimes you do have to be a real pr$ck. Was an unfortunate situation, but I think both sides learned something and moved on.

Well time is short, so in contrast, when Asplundh came through I made my presence known, I also got friendly with the right of way agent and we reviewed the drawings on the job, he came to the house, also made friends with their field guy, and the contractors that have been on the job. Now I know the potential for things that can go wrong, but by letting these people know about any concerns I had and also be being helpful, it turned out fine. They were told to take care of the property owner, especially in this location, we got 400 ton of item #4 crushed stone, some equipment use etc etc. and I did help them with sighting in the road, myself and the dozer operator, worked out great. Had I not gotten involved and made a presence, you just don't know what may have gone wrong, mostly nuisance and things like ruts or bad housekeeping, the usual when you get sloppy or unprofessional contractors. Some contractors can do some blatantly stupid things, many times because no one is there, so it's good to be involved. Asplundh's guys were professional, Buffalo Drilling were excellent, and Hawkeye has been excellent, they have been crossing though our cornfield, hopefully they will be done before planting, as they have more farms to cross, they even put my road barricades back at the end of the day. I have seen a lot in my career and I can honestly say that they all have been professionals on the job, contrary to what can and does happen in many instances. They sheared off a post on my line, 6x6 with a sign and I've found a few odds and ends but I talk to the guys in the field first, if not I'll speak to the right of way person or further up and it will get straightened out. It's good to be involved, and at the first sign of any problems, needs to be taken care of immediately, no response, then we take sides. They needed a wetland permit for this job and I am friendly with the Encon agent, she came by on an unrelated item and I let her know these guys have done a great job with no impact at all to the pond or th surrounding area, foreman from the drilling company seemed to appreciate that. It was true, they maintained the road, silt fence and kept the site clean.

I'm sure this is not the case in many instances, but get involved, speak softly and carry a big stick, seems to work. They will also restore the area as was before, per our liking, that will be the last phase of the job, so far so good, still have some issues, but at least it's not a fight.

I can't imagine how many farms and property owners deal with right of ways, easements and the like but this is a good post to share experiences, and I hope no one finds anymore lines like what started the thread ! What a sinking feeling that must be.

JD, your place must be a literal grid, what a pain it sounds like, and the guys coming back after work to hunt that is real BS - why did'nt they ask first. I really don't like others hunting my place even my friends, but I have shared every season and really enjoy seeing someone get some hunting in, bag a deer etc. especially if they appreciate it. Being able to hunt somewhere is becoming a real hassle for anyone who does not have a place or land today, so it does not bother me if they askb politely, again it's usually just my friends, but if you ask I might let you, if I know where you are and when you come and go, don't be a nuisance and don't come back without permission first. If you invade my place, you don't want to deal with me. Lot of things to discuss on these issues, getting way carried away here, but a real good topic I think.

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