La Plata County property and business owners are seeking answers about “destructive” power line work along County Road 124 in western La Plata County.
Tim Smith, who lives north of Hesperus, said the work has caused “extensive damage” to fences and the nearby Kennebec Cafe, damaged a 100-year-old crabapple tree and allowed cattle to escape their enclosures.
An heavy equipment operator told Smith that La Plata Electric Association informed those in the area that the work would be occurring – but Smith said he and his neighbors were not aware.
“The rest of us that own property along (County Road) 124 are very concerned, as this is happening without any of our awareness or notification, (and) appears to be carried out quite negligently and without any LPEA supervision,” Smith said.
LPEA spokesperson Amanda Anderson confirmed that a fence within overgrown willows was unintentionally damaged on July 10 by a contractor hired by the co-op while the contractor was working on LPEA’s Mayday Capital Improvement Plan.
The project involves vegetation management and replacing aging sections of line originally built with steel conductor due to World War II-era material shortages.
“(The upgrade) will improve system reliability and increase capacity to support future growth in the area, including new homes and businesses,” LPEA said.
Anderson said property owners were informed via email and text messages, using contact information LPEA had on file. She encouraged residents to update their contact information with member services to avoid missing important notices.
LPEA has protocols in place to address accidental damage, and action is being taken in response to the damaged fence, Anderson said.
“A temporary fence was installed the day after the incident, and a contractor hired by LPEA will construct a new permanent fence,” Anderson said. “We take property concerns seriously and are working closely with the property owner to resolve the matter appropriately.”
A Kennebec owner confirmed damage to the restaurant but declined further comment.
“Work in the area is ongoing, and we remain committed to keeping the community informed throughout the project,” Anderson said.
Work is expected to continue through November, weather permitting.
epond@durangoherald.com
