Why is ROW Clearing so Important for Safety?

Does your business depend on utilities or pipelines to operate?

If so, it’s vital to understand the importance of right of way (ROW) clearing. 

ROW clearing is so much more than simply clearing brush away from a site. Specialized equipment is needed to remove tough vegetation and trees, grind stumps, and navigate hard-to-access terrains.

It’s essential for long-term planning and maintaining the integrity of utilities and pipelines. In fact, it’s one of the most important aspects of keeping them safe. Here’s why: 

Increasing safety

ROW clearing reduces the chances of trees and other vegetation getting too close and damaging utility lines and pipelines, which can lead to costly repairs, interruptions in service, and environmental hazards. 

Preventing environmental damage

Clearing an area around utilities also helps protect the environment from potentially hazardous materials that can be released into the environment as a result of an accident or natural disasters.

This is more than just trimming overhead branches, however. Roots can be disruptive to the soil underneath as well. They can damage a pipeline or underground utility’s exterior, harming the structure itself and/or its coating. Without ROW clearing, this can happen for miles–along the entire length of the pipeline.

Enhancing visibility

Man-made disturbances to utilities or pipelines is another preventable problem with ROW clearing. It helps increase pilot visibility around utilities, which is important for safety. A good ROW contractor will remove all visibility obstacles from ground to sky, leaving a safe distance around your structure.

Preventing damage to your structure

Trees and other vegetation can be especially dangerous during severe storms. They can damage lines and utility poles, disrupt service, and even cause fires. By regularly clearing the area around utilities, it becomes easier to identify hazards before they become a problem. 

Improving accessibility

ROW clearing is important for ensuring that utilities and pipelines are easy to access. By having a clear area around them, it can make it easier for maintenance workers or emergency responders to quickly get to the site in case of an incident. 

Overall, ROW clearing is important for safety because it helps reduce the chances of damage to utilities, prevents environmental harm, increases visibility around the lines, and helps prevent future damage. By taking the time to properly clear an area around utilities and pipelines, businesses can ensure they are safe and operational for years to come. 

Keep in mind that ROW clearing should always be done by qualified professionals, like us at Stan’s Airboat & Marsh Excavator Service. We have the proper training and equipment to do the job safely, protecting your business from costly damages and interruptions in service. Contact us today to learn how we can assist in your next operation.