Tillamook PUD has contracted with Pacific Pole Inspection to perform detailed inspections and essential treatments to 2,200 wood power poles on the District’s system. This program enhances public safety, and reduces long-term operating costs and unanticipated power outages.
The wood power poles being inspected are primarily located in the north Tillamook County area. Occasionally in some areas it may be necessary for the contractor to cross private property to get to poles located in the District’s easements and rights-of-way.
Each pole will be visually inspected, sounded with a hammer, and holes will be bored to determine if the pole is decayed. Some poles may need to be replaced; all other poles will be treated.
To treat a pole, holes are bored and filled with fumigants, which are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. The holes are then plugged with a wooden dowel. Pacific Pole Inspection employees are licensed by the Oregon Department of Agriculture for the commercial application of pesticides.
Inspection activities are expected to begin in Mid-August of 2018 and continue for approximately six months. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tillamook PUD at (503) 842-2535.