By Chris Conte
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Valley Authority says they are ready for near record-high June temperatures. In order to do that, they have to keep high intensity power lines clear. It's something they do year round, but some residents say the clear cutting has gone too far.
"They left something on the front door that said, 'sorry we missed you. We're gonna be coming to cut your trees down,"' explained a very frustrated Diane Robinson on Wednesday afternoon.
Robinson has lived in her Forest Hills home for 15 years, but now the TVA wants to cut down trees on the edge of her property that they say compromise their high intensity lines and towers.
"They've just made some arbitrary rule that has nothing to do with each case individually," the 75-year-old says.
According to the TVA though, the cutting of trees and vegetation within in 75 feet of high intensity lines is a necessary step in keeping power flowing and also keeping people safe.
"The rights of way were purchased when we did the original installation of the line and what we own are easements that give us the ability to go out on a property owner's property for both the safety and security of the line, as well as provide reliable power to the community," explained John Dooley who works for the TVA.
Dooley says he understands why some homeowners are upset about the cutting, but because the TVA purchased the right of way around their towers they are allowed to clear the vegetation.
"When you look at the magnitude and the volume of trees affected, what we actually affect is not as significant as one would think."
