In line with Best Management Practices to maintain a safe, reliable infrastructure for operation of utilities, Tipmont’s practices for vegetation management in a right-of-way include applying herbicide.
Herbicide is the most effective method to control the many invasive species that tend to infiltrate a right-of-way in Tipmont’s service territory. Eliminating these species also helps to create stronger natural habitats in properties adjacent to a right-of-way.
Using herbicide in a right-of-way helps:
- Eliminate the presence of invasive, woody plants
- Avoid more costly manual removal of these plants
- Lower the cost of maintaining a clear right-of-way
- Encourage sustainability by promoting utility-compatible ground cover from grass, wildflowers and forbs that require very little maintenance
- Promote faster service restoration during an outage due to easier and quicker access for line crews
- Enhances safety for line crews and the general public
It is a standard practice for utilities and transportation services to apply herbicide spray in a right-of-way. All those who apply herbicide for Tipmont are in clearly identified vehicles and clothing onsite and officially licensed through the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC). Our activities also comply with OISC standards established to maintain the wellbeing of wildlife and animals. Tipmont also makes appropriate accommodations to account for sensitive sites or other locations where herbicide use should not take place.
In addition, Tipmont will always directly reach out to members in advance if herbicide application or tree trimming would need to occur on private property.
To learn more about Tipmont’s right-of-way policy, please visit tipmont.com/row.
