Customer
Duke Energy
Location
Charlotte,NC
Highlights
-
Wildlife Hazard Addressed Without Regulatory Violation -
Environmental Compliance and Documentation Executed Seamlessly -
Field Training Opportunity Elevated Team Awareness
Protecting Wildlife on the Jobsite—Handling a Bird Nest Found During Pre-Job Inspection
The Challenge
During a pre-job inspection, the crew discovered an active bird nest inside a meter box that was scheduled for wiring. The presence of eggs triggered immediate environmental compliance concerns under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Proceeding with work could have resulted in wildlife harm and regulatory violations.
The root cause: The electrician had not placed a cardboard blocker in the meter box after installation, leaving a large opening that became accessible for nesting birds.
The Solution
The team acted promptly to halt all work in the area and contacted the Duke Energy Migratory Bird Hotline for instructions. Following their guidance:
- A bird box was obtained and installed.
- The nest was safely relocated into the box and mounted nearby.
- Photos were taken and submitted for documentation.
- The crew stubbed the wire at the meter box, avoiding any disturbance to the nest.
Key Benefits
- Environmental Compliance: Full adherence to MBTA guidelines helped avoid legal issues and upheld client environmental commitments.
- Wildlife Preservation: The proactive approach ensured the safety and continuity of the nesting birds.
- Field Learning Opportunity: The crew gained firsthand experience in wildlife incident reporting and mitigation protocols.
The Results
- No Delay in Long-Term Execution: While immediate work was paused, the crew adapted and continued progress responsibly.
- Best Practice Reinforcement: The event has been used to train additional field crews on pre-job environmental inspection protocols.
- Elevated Environmental Awareness: The project team is now equipped with direct knowledge of how to manage similar incidents in compliance with federal law.
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