An uptick in trespassing and illegal activity on the right-of-way below a Bonneville Power Administration high-voltage power line in Covington has led to BPA installing a fence and additional “No Trespassing” signs to protect the area from further damage.

BPA is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Repeated incidents occurred on a BPA right-of-way near Southeast 164th Place and 168th Avenue Southeast in Covington. Trespassers have cut down trees, built fires and used all-terrain vehicles on the property. These activities jeopardize the safety of trespassers, BPA personnel and power customers in the area.

“These trespassers are endangering their lives and the safety of our employees,” said Kevin West, BPA physical security specialist in a press release. “The culprits are not only damaging the electrical infrastructure that keeps our lights on, but they’re also forcing electric ratepayers to cover the costs of this kind of senseless damage and activity.”

Anyone having information is asked to call BPA’s confidential and toll-free Crime Witness hotline at 800-437-2744. If you see activity such as those mentioned above, residents and others are encouraged to call 911 to help local law enforcement catch perpetrators in the act.