Effective 8/22/17, Metronet’s digging ban in Windermere has been lifted. Yesterday, State Sen. Jim Merrit, Councilman John Weingardt and city staff met with both Vectren (gas utility) and Metronet to discuss the utility locate issues. Metronet has agreed to begin utilizing a new, safer method for digging in dry conditions, known as hydro-excavation. This method is expected to prevent gas line damage. It will create some noise as the machine involves water pressure and a vacuum, with the noise level similar to a large lawn mower. As such, Metronet will be limited in the hours of permissible excavation from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thanks to Councilman John Weingardt for raising concerns around Metronet’s fiber deployment in Windermere and to Senator Jim Merritt for his assistance in facilitating communication with the utilities.