Transmission Line Refurbishment Project Phase I

Project Scope of Work Included:

• Installation of 10,000 Swamp Mats for Access and Work Pad Locations Within Identified Wetland Locations
• Installation of 20,000 Linear Feet of 12-inch Biodegradable Filter Sock to Protect Wetlands From Silt and Soil Runoff
• 25,000 Cubic Yards of Gravel and Stone was Utilized Throughout the Project Corridor to Build and Improve Network Access

Challenges and Results

To lay the matting necessary for the electrical crews to perform their work, and to protect the surrounding environment, our environmental matting team had to contend with the deep wetlands, swamps, and ponds that dotted the project area. Our crews first built floating pad structures, then added layers of matting over them until the structure remained above the water line. Then, the crews finished off the pad locations by using forwarder machines to install stable 12-inch timber decking. Since we could not flip matting off one structure onto the next structures as each was completed, the project required an enormous amount of matting. To meet the need, we increased our matting stockpile and ultimately provided over 10,000 mats for the project. In addition, flexibility was key to complete the project. Our crews dealt with material shortages, permitting issues, and resulting work delays in numerous locations. We stayed in constant contact with the client to ensure that all key accesses and work pads were prioritized.

As a result, our matting work provided a stable foundation for the project completion, enabling our client to deliver safer, more reliable electrical service to end users throughout Massachusetts. Our crews also developed over 14 miles of new access road for the project, which provides the client with enhanced access to the transmission line corridor for future work and repairs.