Feature Service: Brush Control on Pipelines, Roads, and ROW’s – Learn More Here

Herbicide Solutions – Effective and Economical

Power companies understand the importance of herbicide control on their infrastructure. Powerline ROWs are open to full sun and attract lateral encroachment from the surrounding forests. A full multiyear program can include mulching, saw work and herbicide application. Herbicide applications are often applied within a couple of years of a mulching program, or as a herbicide maintenance solution every 3 to 4 years. West Country Energy Services has been providing vegetation management services including spraying on Canada’s energy infrastructure since 2000. With this article, we hope that our experience will increase your knowledge and in turn your brush control options.

Like powerline ROWs, pipelines also need brush control to allow visual inspections and access on the ROW. Herbicide applications are usually done with tracked equipment or by aerial application. The height of the trees and brush is important in planning these programs, with herbicide applications best management practices targeting growth under a 3-meter average. If the pipeline already has mature tree growth, start the control cycle with a Mulching program, then follow up with a herbicide application 1-3 years after the mulching. In following years maintenance spraying will show decreased control areas and therefore costs.

Forested areas of Alberta and British Columbia also have thousands of kilometers of oil and gas access roads. The access ditches are constantly growing back in, especially where deciduous trees such as Poplars are present. Road ditches that are overrun with tree growth have safety issues such as compromised line of sight which increases the potential for animal strikes and vehicle on vehicle accidents. Dense tree growth can also keep road shoulders soft and poorly drained. The safest roads dry quickly and minimize rutting while keeping the shoulders competent and firm. Road access applications are done with specialized equipment, licensed applicators, and the proper safety controls.

The approximate cost of mulching versus spraying is well known by most counties. Ratios such as 6:1 and 7:1 have been noted by the author. Today’s brush herbicides are safe for wildlife, are graze safe and are regulated by the provincial and federal governments. Another added value benefit is that invasive weed control is done at the same time as the brush. A true win-win.

West Country Energy Services has been providing services on Right of Ways throughout Western Canada for over 20 years! We are always available to discuss your challenges and hopefully give you the solutions you are looking for. West Country is known for finishing its projects on time and on budget! For more information, set up a discovery meeting today by reaching out to Darin at [email protected].

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