5.6. ERMUSR 07-09-2007~j
Elk River -=~
Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway • PO. Box 430
Elk River, MN 55330-0430
July 3, 2007
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Jerry Takle
Jerry Gumphrey
Jim Tralle
From: Bryan Adams
Subject: Pole Replacement Policy
Phone: 763.441.2020
Fax: 763.441.8099
At our June 2007 Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission meeting, staff was directed to draft
a utility pole move policy. This policy request is a result of one of our customers asking that an
overhead electric line and pole be placed underground on the Irving Street rehabilitation project.
Attached is the proposed utility pole move policy for your review.
Elk River Municipal Utilities Pole Move Policy
It is the general policy of the Elk River Municipal Utilities that all 3Q1 electric feeder lines be
constructed overhead while any 3~ or 10 taps is constructed underground.
The Elk River Municipal Utilities on occasion is asked to replace our overhead electric lines by
either relocating or placing underground. These overhead lines may be either lf?~ or 30. The
conditions under which this can occur are as follows.
1. Overhead line is in poor condition or is obsolete where replacement and upgrading is
warranted while being fiscally responsible.
2. Land use change requiring overhead system to be relocated or upgraded for capacity.
3. Existing line not constructed in right-of--way or easement and land owner requests line to
be relocated.
4. NESC clearance issues that result in code violations.
5. Moving overhead lines from rear lot line to front line due to assessability.
6. Overhead line requires excess tree trimming where burying line is more economical than
continued tree trimming.
7. Governmental regulations requiring electric lines be placed underground for either new
construction or maintenance requiring pole movement or replacement on existing
overhead system. (Otsego)
8. Customer desiring pole to be moved and reimburses Elk River Municipal Utilities for
expense and it is technically feasible to move or bury. Burying spans in the middle of an
overhead system is generally not advisable due to lightning.
9. Right-of--Way or easement conditions require entire line to be relocated while not
jeopardizing the reliability of the system and be fiscally responsible. Consideration shall
be given to treating all affected customers equally.
10. Resolve general safety concerns where it is in the best interest of the Elk River Municipal
Utilities or general public to relocate pole or line.