Overcoming Terrain, Time, and Nature at Smith Mountain Dam

How do you lay a 96-strand fiber line across rugged mountains, dense forests, and swamps while working under a tight timeline and navigating daily wildlife encounters? That was the question Think Power Solutions faced when American Electric Power (AEP) brought us on board for their Smith Mountain Dam project.

The job wasn’t just about installing fiber—it required solving complex logistical challenges in a remote environment. Here’s what we were up against:

• Rough Terrain: Steep mountains and rocky formations, combined with swampy areas, made traditional installation methods impossible in some areas.
• Infrastructure Needs: Installing 124 poles and underground conduits meant precise planning and overcoming geological obstacles through directional boring.
• Environmental Hazards: The site was teeming with wildlife, including ticks, rattlesnakes, and bears, requiring a strong focus on worker safety.
• Delayed Start: A one-month delay added pressure to deliver on time without cutting corners.

Having previously worked on the dam, our team understood the challenges and planned accordingly. Every decision, from resource allocation to safety protocols, was designed to keep the project on track without compromising quality.

• Strategic Planning: Our past experience at Smith Mountain Dam helped us anticipate terrain-related issues and plan around them.
• Focused Execution: Coordination was key. From pole placement to directional boring, each phase was carried out with precision, ensuring the entire project stayed on schedule.
• Adapting to the Environment: Our crews adjusted to the unique hazards of the site, balancing safety and productivity. This included enhanced protocols for wildlife encounters and swamp work.
• Recovering Lost Time: Despite the delayed start, our team streamlined workflows, working efficiently to meet—and exceed—project deadlines.

This project demonstrates the value of experience, adaptability, and teamwork in tackling complex infrastructure challenges. At Smith Mountain Dam, Think Power Solutions not only overcame obstacles but also delivered measurable value to AEP through efficient, high-quality work.

For Think Power Solutions, this wasn’t just another project—it was an opportunity to showcase how we turn challenges into achievements.

In the end, we didn’t just meet the client’s expectations—we exceeded them.

• Ahead of Schedule: Delivered the project four months early, minimizing disruption and costs for AEP.
• Operational Savings: Early delivery significantly reduced AEP’s operational expenses tied to delays.
• Recognition: AEP featured the project in their internal communications, highlighting its successful execution.
• Safe Completion: The project was completed with zero safety incidents, even in a challenging environment.