Nelson Hydro customers are urging the utility to take a more environmentally conscious approach to its rights-of-way pest management plan.
Nelson Hydro laid out its draft pest management plan in early November, but it has sparked criticism over the utility’s use of chemical herbicides.
At a public meeting held on Tuesday, Nov. 25, residents questioned why Nelson Hydro “just meets” the minimum standard rather than leading with environmental stewardship in mind.
Concerns focused on the use of glyphosate, which Nelson Hydro said has been used only twice in the last decade.
“The fact that it hasn’t been used only twice by Nelson Hydro in the last 10 years. Wouldn’t it make sense to rule its use out altogether?” asked one community member.
“Even if it’s more labour intensive and therefore costly, two occasions in 10 years cannot be that expensive. Let’s do the right thing and ban all use of gylsophosate.”
Other suggestions included restricting chemicals in controlled areas like substations so they aren’t near water, animals, gardens or people.
Notification practices were also raised. Residents shared experiences of discovering tree removal or chemical treatments with little warning in the past.
“One morning I woke up and a tree was coming down off of my property. That’s how much notice there was,” said a resident of Beggs Road.
Nelson Hydro staff said they currently use door notices, sandwich boards and website updates, but acknowledged the need to improve its notification practices to provide more transparency and include maps of where treatments are planned.
Community members proposed creating a community task force to provide ongoing input and explore improved, environmentally friendly strategies.
Nelson Hydro said it could envision such an initiative, particularly if funding is available to support it.
The utility also confirmed that all vegetation management is currently mechanical and “highly targeted,” using methods such as backpack sprayers on individual plants or stump injections rather than broad spraying.
Nelson Hydro’s future plans include using GIS mapping to better identify sensitive areas and determine safe setbacks for any treatments.
Residents are encouraged to continue providing feedback on the plan online or by email as the utility collects input to revise the draft PMP, balancing reliability and environmental responsibility.
More information on the plan, and how to get involved, can be found here.
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