Aerial patrols of transmission lines in Winneshiek County are beginning

ITC Midwest LLC on Monday will begin conducting aerial patrols of transmission lines in Winneshiek County and throughout Northeast Iowa.

The helicopter patrols are conducted to provide an overall status of the company's overhead transmission system.  In addition to Winneshiek County, there will be aerial patrols in Allamakee, Howard, Fayette and Clayton counties and Fillmore and Houston counties in southeastern Minnesota.
            
The patrols are a requirement and include inspections of steel towers, wood poles, conductors (wires), insulators and other equipment.  Crews check for damaged or worn equipment and vegetation hazards.

The inspection flights are often conducted at low altitudes to allow accurate visual inspection of equipment for lightning damage, wear or other potential problems. This is normal procedure, so there is no cause for alarm if a low-flying helicopter is sighted near transmission lines.