Recently, a contractor working for FortisBC has begun carrying out vegetation clearing along the high-pressure natural gas transmission line that runs beneath campus.
The line has been in place since the 1950s and is covered by a statutory right-of-way roughly 20 metres wide. That corridor must remain clear when viewed from above so FortisBC can detect underground leaks using its helicopter-based monitoring system. Over time, trees planted at the edge of the corridor have grown to the point that their canopies now span it in several places.
Most of the work will involve trimming limbs that overhang the corridor, with limited visual impact. However, one area in particular has been impacted more than others.
On Discovery Avenue bordering RHS and G-lot, five large London plane trees have been cut back to an extent they will not survive.
While the situation is unfortunate for these trees, FortisBC has exercised their right-of-way and we’re working closely with them to minimize the impacts as much as possible. The facilities team is also looking at retaining the trunks of the London plane trees to a height of roughly three metres, with a view to having them professionally carved. Those conversations are at an early stage and we will share more details as they get finalized.
In the meantime, questions can be directed to facilities.ok@ubc.ca.