Right-of-Way Maintenance Procedures

Northeast Power strives to provide safe, reliable and cost efficient electric services to its member cooperatives. In order to do this, tall growing vegetation within the right-of-way must be controlled. Northeast Power has adopted a proactive integrated vegetation management style which employs different types of control practices. These methods include mechanical cutting and chemicals controls applied in a manner which minimizes disturbance to properties adjoining the right-of-way and affords the highest benefit for the integrity of the transmission system while being cost effective for the members.

Mechanical Cutting and Trimming

When the trees and brush within and along the transmission right-of-way corridor endanger the line or limit access to the line structures, they are controlled using mechanical means. The right-of-way must be kept clear to allow access for maintenance or repairs of the poles and wire. Mowing, trimming and hand cutting are effective methods of control.

Northeast Power limits costly mechanical cutting and mowing by using integrated vegetation management methods.

Chemical Control Methods

There have been advancements in the chemicals and the application methods used by Northeast Power to control vegetation. The use of chemicals to manage the undesired vegetation along the transmission line corridor is the most economical and environmentally friendly method to ensure safe and reliable electric service. New formulations from chemical manufactures have made it possible to lower use rates while achieving improved control. The use of selective herbicides allow the grasses and low growing plants to flourish along the right-of-way but provides control of the woody, tall growing vegetation. Using selective spraying techniques, such as stump treatments, dormant stem treatment, and low volume foliar applications, limits the exposure to surrounding vegetation. Chemicals are applied to the transmission right-of-way by certified Northeast Power personnel and certified contractors. Proper application of herbicides offers the best method for lasting, cost effective vegetation management. Northeast Power utilizes several different herbicides in various applications to achieve the best control. These agents, their manufacturer, as well as a link to the product label are listed below.

Krenite S-DuPont- www.cdms.net/LDat/ld886002.pdf
Escort XP-DuPont- www.cdms.net/LDat/ld5QT013.pdf
Garlon 4- Dow AgroSciences- www.cdms.net/LDat/ld0B0013.pdf
Milestone VM-Dow AgroSciences- www.cdms.net/LDat/ld7I2004.pdf
Stalker- BASF- www.cdms.net/LDat/ld01R005.pdf

The vegetation department of Northeast Power is constantly exploring new technologies with regard to vegetation control measures. Our goal is to control vegetation in order to provide safe, reliable and affordable electric power to our member cooperatives. Your continued cooperation is always appreciated.