The Deer Creek to Wes Del project was not without hurdles for the team to overcome. Aside from the need for an expedited completion, the team also faced a difficult location with existing lattice towers to be removed from a swamp. The new line routed around this area, so the team was able to get the line energized, but had to formulate a plan to come back and tackle the swamp area in the summer of 2021. Our first attempt involved utilizing an MD-500 work helicopter and Blackhawk heavy-lift helicopter to remove the two towers in sections. As that work began, the team discovered there was no safe way to remove the lowest sections of the towers solely from the air. The team went back to the drawing board and developed a plan using amphibious vehicles in conjunction with aerial support from an MD-500 to remove the remaining steel from the swamp. The modified plan allowed work to be completed safely in the challenging swamp environment. AEP and external stakeholders expressed how impressed they were with the innovative approach from the team to solve the problem successfully. The team’s successful completion of the swamp scope serves as a microcosm for how the team approached the entire project. Utilizing daily and weekly planning, we were able to adjust to the challenges and needs of our client while executing the project without any recordable injuries and with zero environmental incidents. The field leadership team did an outstanding job of delivering a quality project while spearheading and promoting our safety culture for the project’s duration. ✔ 29,969 Project Safe Hours Cianbro’s Power & Energy team wrapped up a transmission line project in Indiana ahead of schedule and under budget. For the final piece of the project, Cianbro worked with Haverfield Aviation, Inc. out of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to remove a tower structure that was in swamp-like terrain.
Cianbro Honored with AEP Recognition In 2021, American Electric Power Transmission (AEP) honored Cianbro’s Power & Energy team with the Zero Harm Safety Club award at the 138kV Level for working 138,000 injury-free hours. AEP’s Zero Harm Safety Club recognizes contract companies dedicated to the pursuit of Zero Harm. This recognition follows the 69 kV Level the team received at the end of 2020. AEP also awards injury-free hours at the 345kV and 765 kV Levels. Additionally, AEP recognized Cianbro with one of three Contractor Safety Awards for the second year in a row. To earn this recognition, contractors must excel in protecting their team through operational tasks and practices, backed by leadership committed to the Zero Harm approach to injury prevention. “Thank you to all of our team members who have gone above and beyond to ensure you and your colleagues work safely every day. These awards from AEP are a reflection of your dedication to make sure we all go home in better condition than when we arrived at work,” said Josh Gale, General Manager Transmission, Distribution and Substation. “Cianbro and AEP both instill safety as a top priority for our team members!”
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