In addition to our mechanical re-clearing operations, EnergyUnited utilizes low-volume herbicide applications along its distribution and transmission right-of-ways to control the growth of undesirable tree saplings and woody brush that may interfere with the reliability and operation of our system.
Years of research have determined this method of vegetation control to be an environmentally sound management practice for right-of-way corridors. (You can read the definitive long-term study of LVH here.)
This method actually favors biodiversity, as opposed to using purely mechanical means of control, by establishing a low-growing plant community that provides habitat for flora and fauna that do not thrive in the mature forests that border right-of-ways.
EnergyUnited’s LVH program utilizes North Carolina-licensed applicators from approximately May to October each year to apply a foliar herbicide to undesirable vegetation along selected distribution and transmission right-of-ways. Application methods include low-pressure backpack and truck/utv mounted units, with the vast majority of applications being backpack.
The selective application of herbicides along utility corridors is a time-tested and proven method for controlling stem density and maintenance costs while increasing safety. As compared to repeatedly mowing and hand cutting, which many times serves only to increase the density of brush present (and future maintenance costs).
All the herbicides used in our program are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. These herbicides are listed below along with their respective EPA registration number and a link to CDMS (Crop Data Management Systems) for label and SDS (Safety Data Sheet) information.
Dow Agrosciences Garlon 3A EPA Reg. # 62719-37
Bayer Method 240SL EPA Reg. # 432-1565
Bayer Escort XP EPA Reg. # 432-1549
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