COLUMBIA (WACH) – SCE&G will resume tree trimming in October. The utility first started cutting back growth around power lines in June, but work was stopped in July after homeowners in the Shandon neighborhood raised concerns over what they thought was excessive cutting.
The City of Columbia reached a deal with the power company that would allow them to continue if SCE&G would keep the community informed.
On Thursday, the utility held a public forum at the Capital Senior Center. People were directed to visit various tables to learn more about why and how the power company trims trees, but the method didn’t work.
Residents demanded a standard-style meeting, where they could ask questions and experts would answer them as a group.
Most of the homeowners in attendance said they were concerned that SCE&G isn’t following government-set standards for tree trimming.
“Sustainable Midlands has an advisory board member who is an arborist. I drove him around and we looked at the trees. His major concern was we had taken more than 20 percent of the canopy from the trees during a drought and that does not conform to the standards,” says Executive Director Ryan Nevius of Sustainable Midlands.
According to SCE&G spokesperson Stephanie Jones, crews are cutting by the book and trying to leave as much vegetation on the plant as possible
“When we trim, we follow what is called ANSI 300 Standards, and those are standards that are approved by the Tree Care Industry Association,” says Jones. “By using those standards, we are really working to help ensure the overall health and vitality of the trees.”
Jones adds that tree trimming is a must to ensure the safety of SCE&G employees. It also helps customers receive reliable service because limbs and brush are the leading cause of power outages in the Midlands area.
SCE&G is hosting another public forum on Tuesday, September 27 at 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the large meeting room at 701 Whaley Street.
For more information on SCE&G and its tree trimming practices, click here.