Data-Driven Solutions for Holistic Vegetation Management
Data analytics and technical expertise for efficient, sustainable, resilient vegetation management solutions.
As the impacts of climate change intensify, trees and other vegetation are under threat from extreme weather, droughts, wildfire and disease. Overgrown or weakened limbs and branches falling into distribution circuits is one of the largest contributors to electric power interruptions, and in some cases the cause of extreme harm to people, property and communities.
By partnering with TRC, utilities gain access to cutting-edge data analytics and technical expertise that transform vegetation management from a reactive necessity to a proactive, strategic asset. Our solutions help utilities minimize outage risks, ensure regulatory compliance, optimize resource allocation and enhance overall system resilience.
Adapt to Change With TRC’s Utility Vegetation Managers
For over 55 years, TRC has been a trusted advisor to the utility industry. Our Vegetation Management team delivers unprecedented results, maximizing operational efficiencies, streamlining processes and empowering utilities to continue providing safe, resilient, reliable power to the communities they serve.
With an in-house team of program and project managers, arborists, engineers, foresters, land agents, compliance experts, environmental biologists and digital experts, we work seamlessly to analyze and execute solutions across full vegetation management lifecycles. Understanding the continuously evolving vegetation management regulatory and operational demands of planning, implementation, program and project management, permitting, auditing, and compliance requirements, as well as environmental, biological and cultural monitoring, is where our team excels.
From risk-based modeling, engineering standards reviews and workflow analysis to highly technical vegetation visualization and ‘boots on the ground’ program management and implementation, TRC delivers sustainable vegetation management solutions and assists in avoiding regulatory fines for noncompliance. Our team guides utilities in the strategic development and implementation of work practices and actualizes efficiency actions, which aid in optimizing their vegetation management programs while improving grid resiliency.
Environmental Hazards
According to US Forest Service, since 2010 an estimated 129 million trees have died in California’s national forests due to conditions caused by climate change, unprecedented drought, bark beetle and high tree densities. There are a concerningly high number of hazard trees in and around communities and along roads, trails and power lines,
Emerging Regulations
Coinciding data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) indicates that tree contact with transmission lines is the leading cause of electric power outages and a common cause of past regional blackouts in the Northeast United States and Canada. Utilities are now required to address the latest transmission vegetation management standard covering tree trimming on rights of way according to NERC reliability standard FAC-003-5.
Integrated Utility Vegetation Management Solutions
Strategically optimize your vegetation management investment to improve power system safety, reliability and resiliency. We offer utility vegetation management services to regulated and non-regulated organizations including utilities, electric cooperatives, natural gas pipeline operators and renewable energy developers.
Assessment and Planning
Our vegetation management, environmental, technical and climate experts help you analyze your programs and determine priorities to improve performance and efficiency. These services include:
- Risk, Reliability & Safety Assessment
- Business Case Modeling
- Optimization & Sustainable Operations
- Regulatory & Testimony Support
- Grant Writing & Contracting
- Quality Management
- Program Development & Delivery
Digital Technology and Solutions
TRC understands the digital marketplace and helps you strategically integrate and deploy new technology to solve data capture and reporting requirements and implement risk and reliability modeling. We offer:
- Predictive Modeling
- Production Forecasting
- Data Capture & System Mapping
- Geo-Spatial & Data Analytics
- Process Modeling & Optimization
Field Operations
Our deep bench of field experts supplements your team and executes critical work. We use dashboards to track the productivity of our crews so we can monitor and adjust as needed to meet your milestones and deadlines. Our field operations include:
- Contractor Readiness Assessments
- Construction Management
- Work Verification
- Field Data Collection
- Equipment/Technology Assessments
- Program/Project Management
- Registered Forester & Certified Arborist
- Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Compliance
Permitting and Licensing
We help you survey and collect the data needed to secure the permits required to perform enhanced vegetation management. Our experts across the U.S. have experience siting and permitting pipelines, transmission lines, distribution rights of way and road crossings. This access extends to:
- Desktop Reviews & Field Verification
- Local, State & Federal Permitting
- Historical & Cultural Resource Studies
- Compliance Monitoring & Reporting
- Natural Resources, Wildlife, Threatened & Endangered Species, Vegetation, Wetlands & Stormwater Studies
- Surveying Services
Land Services and Communications
Our land agents understand all the changing industry requirements and standards and recognize the importance of consistent and concise communication. We handle the following coordination for right-of-way acquisition and public outreach efforts:
- Public Outreach/Agency Coordination
- Records Research & Title Work
- Survey Permission & Permit Crossings
- Due Diligence & Construction Support
- Right of Way/Work-Space Acquisition
- Damage Settlement & Reclamation
Emergency Response and Storm Services
We take pride in being trusted advisors who help you develop and execute your emergency response plans. We have the expertise and experience to support you when natural disasters strike — from an environmental, infrastructure and logistical perspective. We are here to help with:
- Storm Response/Emergency Communication & Coordination
- Contractor Readiness & Assessments
- Field Data Collection/Work Verification
- Registered Forester/Certified Arborist Monitoring
- Disaster Grant Reimbursement Documentation
- Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan Compliance & Reporting
- Wood/Debris Management
Downloadable Materials
FAC-003-5 Transmission Vegetation Management NERC Compliance
FAC-003-5 Transmission Vegetation Management NERC Compliance Published April 26, 2024
Featured Projects
Discover the success we’ve had with helping our clients execute major projects and make a meaningful impact on their local communities.
Tasker Farm Substation
Utility Vegetation Management Program
Air Curtain Burner Technology Study
Vegetation Management GIS Spatial Data Analysis
Vegetation Management Contracting Assessments
Best Management Practices and Integrated Vegetation Management
Optimize Your Vegetation Management Program Today
In an era of increasing environmental and regulatory challenges, TRC’s data-driven approach empowers utilities to secure sustainable, cost-effective vegetation management practices that protect infrastructure, improve reliability, and mitigate long-term risks.Contact our vegetation management team to get started today.
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
Update to FAC-003-5 Brings Sweeping Changes to Transmission Classifications Starting April 1
March 19, 2024
Update to FAC-003-5 Brings Sweeping Changes to Transmission Classifications Starting April 1
Vegetation Management Standard FAC-003-4 to become Effective October 1, 2016
September 19, 2016
The mandatory NERC FAC-003-4 standard regarding Vegetation Management has been modified to increase vegetation clearance requirements. The revised standard becomes enforceable on October 1, 2016.
Modernize Your Field Services with GIS and Work Order Management Combined
June 15, 2023
The role of field service management continues to dominate the world economy, as the market grows at an exponential rate. The market was estimated at 3.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach 5.7 billion by the end of 2026.
2020 New Year’s Safety Resolution? How About Construction Safety?
February 20, 2020
Safety isn’t all about tracking statistics. To make it work, you need to interact positively with people. TRC construction health and safety specialist Cody Gladstone explains how to gain credibility on the jobsite and get everyone home safe at the end of the day.
Targeting Perfection in the Construction and Operation of Pipelines
October 18, 2019
To have an impact on the delivery or operation of a pipeline, it’s vital to eliminate the intra- and inter-company barriers, including those in the areas of communications, culture and technology.
TRC Chosen to Provide Array of Integrated Services on Midship Pipeline Project
August 28, 2018
TRC has been awarded contracts for environmental consulting, engineering and field services and another for stem-to-stern Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) contract for three compressor stations.
Featured Facility: TRC Testing and Training Lab
September 16, 2016
Hands-on testing and commissioning of substations in the real world can be daunting and dangerous without the proper training. So, TRC’s Testing and Commissioning group is building a training lab in its Lancaster, Pennsylvania, office. The lab will mimic an actual utility substation environment with control house and yard equipment.