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Black Hills Energy outlines power-line rebuild in Oral; county permit and tree removal discussed
Summary
A Black Hills Energy representative described a project to rebuild overhead lines and bury new distribution line portions in Oral; commissioners were briefed on route, tree removal in county right-of-way and permit steps.
A representative from Black Hills Energy briefed the county on an upcoming project to rebuild power lines in the Oral area, describing the proposed route, parts of the line to be placed underground and tree-removal plans in the county right-of-way.
Why it matters: work in the county right-of-way requires coordination and permits and will involve tree trimming or removal at the utility's expense; undergrounding some sections reduces maintenance-related outages but is more expensive.
Project details: the company plans to rebuild overhead power lines on the north side of the county road east of Oral and to direct-bury sections of cable closer to a feed point and to serve a farm east of town. The segment that will be underground will be direct-buried cable typically installed at the prescribed depth; a short overhead tap will serve two houses on the east side of town. Staff noted a spring/cement culvert mid-hill that may need special handling in installation work. Black Hills Energy said they would coordinate tree removal and obtain the county permit; the presenter asked the county to provide the permitting contact and indicated they would attach a county contact phone number to the permit application.
Next steps: the utility will submit a county right-of-way permit and coordinate with highway staff on crossing and any culvert/spring impacts; county staff will be listed as the contact for permit follow-up.
