Inspections aim to prevent more
dog electrocutions
Voltage hazards spark city action
By Cristina Silva, Boston Globe,
October 29, 2005
The city will begin regularly inspecting electrical
lines and junction boxes in an effort to eradicate stray voltage
hazards like those that have killed several dogs, Mayor Thomas
M. Menino said yesterday.
Starting this month, city departments -- including
public works, transportation, and fire -- will begin a program
of inspections that aims to survey a third of the city's electrical
lines each year, adding up to a complete inspection of the city's
electrical infrastructure every three years. The inspection schedule
is based on recommendations issued by a city-appointed task force
on electrical safety in July.
The city is also replacing metal housings on Boston's
30,000 traffic light control boxes with fiberglass covers, which
don't conduct electricity.
Stray voltage has killed three dogs since 2000,
including a 1-year-old boxer that was electrocuted in March while
being walked by his 13-year-old owner. It also became an issue
in the mayoral campaign when challenger Maura A. Hennigan accused
Menino of neglecting the city.
Menino yesterday portrayed the program as an example of quick
action by the city.
''When the issue of stray voltage was brought to the city's attention,
we immediately took action," Menino said in a statement.
''The Stray Voltage Task Force is a critical component of our
response, and the group will continue to monitor the city's electrical
infrastructure."
The city, working with NStar, completed a survey of the city's
electrical infrastructure this summer, inspecting more than 120,000
light posts, traffic signals, electrical and fire boxes, and metal
plates located near electrical wires, city officials said.
Hennigan yesterday criticized Menino, saying the
inspections should have come sooner.
''He should have been working on these issues since 2000,"
she said. ''Sadly, we have had many pets killed because of the
fact that the city has not made this a priority."
Hennigan said the inspections should be mandatory, and completed
each year.
''This is a serious issue as we approach the winter season,"
she said. ''We have a city that has aging infrastructure. Just
because something is below the ground does not mean that everything
is functioning properly. As mayor, I will show leadership and
make sure we are provided with safe and efficient service."
Stray voltages are particularly problematic in the
winter, when water from melted snow and ice can cause shorts and
other electrical problems.
Sixty-six instances of stray voltages were found
during the inspection this summer and were immediately repaired,
said James W. Hunt III, the city's chief of environmental and
energy services. The insulation and fiberglass plates are being
installed as additional safety measures, he said.
''It's the mayor's strong feeling that one instance
of stray voltage is too many," Hunt said.