Selective Herbicide Use

Yes. Herbicide is strategically used to inhibit the growth of underbrush and vines around poles and lines and is an integral part of integrated vegetation management. When used appropriately it can help keep maintenance costs lower and lessen reliability issues by helping control the re-growth and re-sprouting of stumps.

KUB’s contractor uses various EPA-approved herbicides to target certain vegetation types. These are used according to manufacturer’s directions and in strict accordance with federal and state regulations, and their use not pose a health risk to humans, pets, wildlife, or the environment.

KUB uses the “cut and spray” method, in which vegetation is first cut back and then selectively sprayed with herbicide at a later time. This ensures more targeted spraying and more success in eliminating the vegetation. During routine circuit maintenance work, crews are required to treat the cut stump/stubble of cut brush with herbicide to limit re-growth or sprouting (not a foliar application).

Additionally, KUB applies foliar herbicide on its system to limit weed growth at facilities and substations, and to treat vines growing on poles in the summer months. In the late summer/early fall, foliar application of herbicide is used on the transmission system and in select rights-of-way.

Vines, tall growing brush or trees that are re-sprouting within utility maintenance zones.

KUB employs arborists who determine where spraying is most effective, and this is generally where vines are found to be growing on poles or guy wires, where vegetation is inundating facility fences, or where brush inhibits access by storm restoration crews or vigorously grows back after cyclical maintenance (transmission maintenance zones).

• As needed for vines on poles throughout the year
• Routine cyclical maintenance: applied to cut stump/stubble during routine maintenance cycle every 3-4 years where brush is to be removed and site qualifies for treatment. Routine maintenance is performed year-round.
• KUB facilities throughout the year
  • Bare ground: annually at facilities and substations
  • Fences: when/where needed

• Transmission System
  

  • Growing season after maintenance cycle
  • Respray following year

Yes, and KUB makes every effort to notify customers ahead of application via mailed notices and doorhangers. 

Yes, KUB makes every effort to notify customers ahead of application via mailed notices and doorhangers, and when necessary via phone and site visits of herbicide application for vines on pole and transmission maintenance zone spraying. We also document any customers who wish to not have herbicide applied on their properties.

No problem. KUB will work with the customer on alternative vegetation management methods.

Yes. KUB’s contractor agreement calls for the use of buffer zones near farms, orchards, natural areas, bodies of water, etc. to avoid any potential issues. However, some herbicides are safe for use near bodies of water.

All KUB Vegetation Management contractors who apply herbicide, are required to hold and maintain all required licenses and commercial applicator certifications with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.  KUB contractors only use EPA-approved herbicides in strict accordance with federal and state regulations. Contractors must follow all directions for mixtures, rates of applications, etc. set by the manufacture and approved by the EPA, listed on the product's label. Additionally, appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn per the product label.

Yes. Ideal application occurs on a dry day with light wind, and should also occur when rain is not in the immediate forecast to avoid the herbicide being washed away before having its intended effects.

We have had very few complaints, and reviewed each case and found problems were not associated with KUB or KUB contractor actions.