WISCONSIN (WTAQ) — Beginning the week of February 13, an American Transmission Company (ATC) contractor will install over 450 bird diverters on the wires of three high-voltage electric transmission lines in Marinette, Ozaukee, and Winnebago counties.
Canadian-based FulcrumAir will install the bird flight diverters using a fully autonomous LineFly robot connected to a heavy lifting drone.
These diverters help keep birds safe while also ensuring the reliability of the transmission system. Most of the diverters will be installed over or adjacent to
wetlands and bodies of water to help protect larger, heavy-bodied species that do not maneuver easily such as geese, swans, pelicans, cranes, and other waterfowl.
“They’re fairly small pieces that are black with yellow reflectors on them that help catch the bird’s eye.” said Jody Lau with ATC while describing the diverters.
This is the first time ATC is using a drone to install bird flight diverters. Previously, bird diverters were installed using a contractor who was securely attached to a light-duty helicopter. Lau noted that using the drone is safer and more cost-effective.
Local law enforcement will be notified of the work.
Diverters will be installed in the following locations:
• Marinette County along a portion of a 138,000-volt line
o Across the Peshtigo River near the Peshtigo River Train Bridge
• Ozaukee County along a portion of a 345,000-volt line
o Within the Mequon Nature Center
• Winnebago County along a portion of a 138,000-volt line
o Near South Asylum Bay along Bowen Street
In the interest of safety, if you see the drone and robot in the area, stay at least 300 feet away from the work area and refrain from stopping, viewing and photographing the work from a roadway.
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