Powerline collapse prompts study by Missoula firm in Troy

Troy is taking additional steps to repair its creaking infrastructure after recent incidents have shown the electric grid might have deficiencies.

In January, a Troy powerline collapsed onto a fence and lit up the night sky.

That would be a problem by itself, but it was even more alarming because there was no extreme weather that day. Slight wind broke the old connector and the soft-copper line dropped. 

As a result, Brad Jones, Troy’s administrative assistant, has consulted with Missoula company HDR Engineering, Inc., to do a powerline audit in Troy.

“There’s not anything that’s not working well,” Jones said. “But it’s been a long time since we’ve had any engineering done on the system.”

Troy’s electric system has been largely unmodified since 1975, making it ancient as far as power-lines go.

“There is some outdated equipment, outdated poles and outdated wire,” said Mayor Tony Brown. “And now, we’re seeing broken connections. It might be time to take a look.”

Troy’s water system was equally as old or older, and the loss of water was massive. Even with the repairs last fall, Troy is still losing 51 percent of its pumped water. 

HDR will check relays and make sure there is no “line loss” as Brown feared there might be in the old lines. 

Newer powerlines use aluminum, as opposed to the soft-copper found in most of Troy’s existing powerlines.

Other steps Jones is considering to have city workers and HDR update the power-grid map and put some lines underground. These costs can quickly reach $100,000 or more, Jones said.

“We are trying to keep it minimal,” Jones said. “But we are trying to get it right.”

In other business

• Brown is in discussions with the University of Montana to get a summer intern to help design plans for extensions at Troy’s Museum.

• Bonners Ferry, Troy and Burlington Northern Santa Fe are in dispute over a railroad spur near Callahan Creek.

• Troy’s two new police officers are still in training and will be doing ride-alongs with Libby police. 

• Ken Davis, owner of the proposed Rosebud Flats subdivision, was protesting a one-foot wide no-access line drawn by the Troy City Council two years ago.

• Council President Phil Fisher had a problem with new water billing protocol for apartments and trailer courts.