On July 17, 2010 a severe storm that included high level winds in excess of 100 mph roared across an isolated area in central Nebraska, destroying some 32 mi of 230-kV H-frame transmission line. The line is part of a key interconnect in the states' public power transmission system.
Electric utility officials contacted Laminated Wood Systems, Inc. (LWS, www.lwsinc.com) the following day and on July 19, representatives from the public utility and LWS inspected the storm ravaged structures to assess the extent of the damage. Utility staff determined that rebuilding the line with laminated wood H-frame structures from LWS would be the quickest, most economical solution. LWS received an order for 426 poles on July 19. Fabrication of poles began immediately at three laminating plants located in New York, Oregon and Minnesota, with the first poles arriving in Nebraska on July 29. The balance of the poles were delivered by August 14, just 26 days after receiving the order. The poles were delivered to six separate fly-yards spanning 34 mi where crews framed the structures in preparation for installation by helicopter. Line crews set the assembled structures by helicopter August 13 through 19 and the line was energized several weeks later.
LWS was able to deliver the poles quickly because of their nationwide network of laminators, treaters and suppliers. Laminated wood poles are made from an abundant, renewable timber resource that is not subject to shortages or surcharges. Wood is a natural carbon offset and has the least "cradle-to-grave" impact on the environment when compared to steel and concrete.