Heads up, Kootenay Boundary residents: you may see a helicopter skimming the skies in the coming weeks, but there’s no need for alarm.
From May 14 to June 14, a TwinStar helicopter will be flying low over several towns, including Christina Lake, Grand Forks, Trail, Rossland, Rock Creek, Montrose, Midway, and Fruitvale.
The flights are part of a routine inspection of FortisBC’s high-pressure natural gas lines, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) advises.
Talon Helicopters and LaSen Inc. are using aerial LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a laser-based technology that captures precise images of the infrastructure from above.
The RDKB is one of 24 regional districts in B.C. that the helicopter will pass through during this period.
Flight time over each area will be minimal, and there will be no ground activity associated with the flights.
The inspections are key to maintaining the safety and reliability of gas lines serving thousands across the region.
The flight schedule may vary based on weather conditions or wildfire activity, so exact times will shift.
For maps and full details, visit the RDKB "Latest News"link at rdkb.com.
