Opinion ID: 2680032
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Overhead High-voltage Line Safety Act

Text: [¶9] The Legislature enacted the Overhead High-voltage Line Safety Act, 35-A M.R.S. §§ 751-761, without debate, in 1995. See P.L. 1995, ch. 348 (effective Sept. 29, 1995). The Act was amended slightly in 1999, but that amendment has no bearing on this appeal. See P.L. 1999, ch. 398, § A-19 (effective Mar. 1, 2000) (codified at 35-A M.R.S. § 752(2) (2012)). [¶10] To enhance public safety, the Act prohibits any “person” from engaging in specific activities around an overhead high-voltage power line until that person notifies the line owner or operator, here CMP. See 35-A M.R.S. §§ 754, 757. The Act’s definition of a “person” includes any “natural person, firm, business association, company, partnership, corporation or other legal entity.” Id. § 752(3). [¶11] In the matter before us, the person prohibited from engaging in the specified activities near overhead high-voltage lines is Devereux Marine. A business such as Devereux is generally prohibited from undertaking any work or 7 activity that would bring a person, tool, or other material used by a person within ten feet of an overhead high-voltage line. See id. § 754(1). If the business intends to do work in that proximity to the line, the business must notify the owner or operator of the line at least seventy-two hours prior to commencing the work or activity. See id. § 757(1).3 Upon notification, the business that intends to conduct the prohibited work or activity and the owner or operator of the line must negotiate “promptly and in good faith” to make precautionary safety arrangements to accommodate the work. Id. § 758(1).4 [¶12] Until the notification requirements are met, the business may not, either individually or through an agent or employee, perform work that may cause (A) a person to be placed within ten feet of the overhead high-voltage line, or (B) a tool or material used by a person to be brought within ten feet of the line. Id. § 754(1)(A), (B). Additionally, “A person may not, individually or through an agent or employee or as an agent or employee,” erect, operate, maintain, transport, or store any “covered equipment or item” within ten feet of the line. Id. § 754(2). 3 The Act’s notification requirements include an exception for situations that include police, fire, and rescue emergencies. 35-A M.R.S. § 757(1) (2012). 4 Although in some instances the person intending to do work around the line would be responsible for the costs associated with making safety modifications, see 35-A M.R.S. § 758(6) (2012), if the line has not been installed in conformity with the applicable edition of the National Electrical Safety Code, the line owner or operator is responsible for the costs of bringing the line into compliance, see id. § 758(6)(B). 8 The Act’s definition of “covered equipment or items” includes “items such as ladders, scaffolds, boat masts and outriggers.” Id. § 752(1) (emphasis added).