The 4-County Electric Power Association has begun its annual herbicide vegetation management. Around one-tenth of all 4-County power outages are attributable to vegetation issues — trees, branches, etc. So, it is important to maintain a healthy right-of-way. In July, 4-County contractors began applying herbicide to some 533 miles of line across the service area in the Columbus, Macon and West Point districts.
Four-County uses an integrated vegetation management program that incorporates several methods of ROW maintenance.
“We generally use mechanical methods to maintain the proper clearance of our rights-of-way by cutting or trimming trees. But we also spray with herbicides when needed to control new trees that can eventually grow into the power lines,” said 4-County Manager of Engineering Lynn Timbrook. “The spraying is safe and not harmful to the environment and helps keep the cooperative”s ROW maintained in a safe, efficient, and economical manner,” Timbrook added.
Four-County has hired Drennen Forestry to perform the spraying. Workers with the company will be wearing shirts with their company logos to identify them while they are working.
Timbrook says there are three types of herbicides being used: Accord XRT, Escort XP and Arsenal Powerline. Four-County members who want more information about these herbicides can contact Billy Kelly, system Arborist/Utility specialist with ECI, at the 4-County Corporate Center.
Timbrook says the spraying will last through Oct. 31. For more information about where the spraying will be taking place, please contact your local 4-County district office.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
