Robotics Used To Remove Dangerous Tree In Hamptons

EAST HAMPTON, NY — Cutting-edge robotics technology was used to remove a dangerous tree in East Hampton.

PSEG Long Island said it utilized the "new, innovative technology" Friday to assist the Village of East Hampton with the safe removal of a large, nonviable tree in danger of falling on an electric transmission line and a nearby home, possibly causing a fire, damage — or an outage that could impact up to 1,200 customers.

There was also the possibility that the tree could fall on a person or car, causing injury, village officials said.

The village was told that one of its trees was compromised and threatening to fall on a nearby home, PSEG said.

The village reached out to the PSEG Long Island vegetation management department to assist in the removal since the tree had grown around the high-voltage transmission line.

“Today we used new innovative technology to safely access the tree near the live transmission line,” said John O’ Connell, vice president, transmission and distribution, PSEG Long Island. “We were pleased the village contacted us to help. This tree removal not only helps the village, it protects our equipment and provides a safe environment for nearby homes. PSEG Long Island is committed to providing our customers with excellent reliability and community service.”

The ARS robotic truck allows PSEG Long Island to access the right-of-way and safely operate the truck without the human operator being close to energized power lines, PSEG said.

The hydraulic boom is remotely operated and allows the operator to cut and grasp the limb being cut with greater control. In less than two minutes an operator can move the grapple saw to the cutting position, make the cut and, with full control, place it at the landing zone for processing, PSEG explained. The ability to operate remotely reduces the risk of stepping on and touching potential hazards because operators no longer need to remain near the unit during operation, PSEG added.

"The village thanks PSEG Long Island for their work in East Hampton," said Scott Fithian, East Hampton Village’s superintendent of public works.