Nelson Hydro is scaling back its proposed use of chemical pesticides around its infrastructure following strong public feedback.
The utility released a draft pest management plan in early November, which drew criticism over its use of chemical herbicides.
Nelson Hydro is required by legislation to file a pest management plan every five years.
The plan covers substations, wooden power poles and power line rights-of-way. The current plan expired July 15, 2025. The utility is now updating it for the 2025-30 period.
The draft plan outlined limited chemical use, which drew criticism, particularly around herbicides such as glyphosate.
At a public hearing on Nov. 28, residents raised concerns about health risks, environmental impacts and inadequate public consultation.
A petition also gathered more than 1,400 online signatures.
Community members emphasized a desire for Nelson Hydro to consider non-chemical approaches to vegetation management, which the utility said it heard loud and clear.
“We heard your feedback on our Integrated Pest Management Plans,” Nelson Hydro said in a social media post.
“After reviewing input from the community, the ministry, and various industry experts, Nelson Hydro has decided to go in a different direction.”
The utility now plans to keep the new pest management plan as an internal document rather than submitting it to the province, and to cancel a proposed pesticide pilot.
Instead, it will develop a new Integrated Vegetation Management Policy that enhances current vegetation management practices, built around:
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Manual first: mowing, trimming and cutting instead of chemicals
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No widespread spraying: no large-scale application of pesticides in rights-of-way
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Targeted chemical use: a last resort applied carefully to ensure minimal product use and pinpoint accuracy
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Different rules for substations versus public areas
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Better public engagement and notification: to align with standards set by the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS)
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Improved mapping and GIS tools: to track and keep records of vegetation management
Nelson Hydro plans to present the new policy to city council for approval in March 2026.
More information on the plan, and new changes, can be found here.
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