General SUMMARY: This Section covers removal of existing transmission line materials, wire, and structures. Submittals: a) Demolition Plan Execution General: Contractor shall obtain and comply with all applicable permits and their requirements during utility line removal activities. Contractor shall prepare and submit a demolition plan to the Owner for approval prior to commencing any Work at the site. If Contractor determines that hazardous materials are present Contractor shall cease Work in the area of concern, immediately notify Owner, and submit remediation plan compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Contractor shall not proceed with Work in the area of concern until remediation plan is approved by Owner. All equipment required for removals shall be provided by the Contractor. Contractor shall carefully remove shield wire and conductor and disassemble the structures in such a way as not to damage adjacent properties or endanger the public. Contractor shall be responsible for removal, salvage and proper disposal of all existing shield wire, communication wire, conductor, insulator hardware, anchors, foundations, and structures. Contractor shall not use any removed materials in new construction. All new materials received from the Owner shall be kept separate from removed material. Removal of Conductor and Shield Wire: Handling and removal of the conductor and shield wire shall be by methods that will prevent damage or injury. Contractor shall provide a separate radio communications channel at all times during the removal of the conductors and shield wire. This equipment shall be located at and communications shall be provided between: All crossings (i.e. highway, road, railroad, power, and communication lines, etc.). All payout and take-up installation of the conductors and shield wires, whether stationary or mobile. Any other location specified by the Owner. The conductor and shield wire may be permitted to contact the ground during removal except when determined to cause a hazard to public safety or other construction activities. Removal of Lattice Structures: Prior to tower removal contractor shall test tower coatings for presence of lead paint, asbestos, or other potential hazardous coatings. If Contractor determines that hazardous coatings are present Contractor shall cease Work in the area of concern, immediately notify Owner, and submit remediation plan compliant with local, state, and federal regulations. Contractor shall not proceed with Work in the area of concern until remediation plan is approved by Owner. Galvanized towers are to be cut or disassembled as required for removal. Painted towers are to be disassembled as required for removal. No cutting torches are to be used for painted structure removal. Upon completion of the tower removal, Contractor shall be responsible for disposal of scrap material. Removal of Structure Foundations: Contractor shall remove concrete foundations to one foot below grade in non-agricultural areas. Concrete foundations in agricultural areas shall be removed to four feet below grade. All voids left by removal of foundation material shall be backfilled and compacted. Foundation steel and grounding material shall be disposed of properly by Contractor. Removal of Direct Embedded Wood Pole, Concrete Pole, FRP Pole, and Steel Structures. Contractor shall disassemble pole top assemblies, cross arms, and braces and pull poles from the ground in their entirety. Poles shall not be cut below grade without prior approval from Owner and Engineer. All voids left by removal of the poles shall be backfilled and compacted.
