Adoption of Strategies for Managing Rights-of-Way Vegetation

Barriers to Adoption of Strategy

There are both internal and external barriers to the adoption of a use and risk reduction strategy. For example, internally, few educational pesticide stewardship programs that are specifically geared to R/W maintenance have been developed. External barriers exist because much of the public is unfamiliar with herbicides and, therefore, may not understand their use. They may be unaware of the rigorous toxicological and environmental testing that is required by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) prior to registration of herbicide products. In addition, many people are unaware of the safety and environmental risks involved in other right-of-way maintenance activities; therefore, it is difficult for them to make a knowledgeable comparison of the various options available. This lack of understanding creates a knowledge barrier for the public.

Steps to Aid in Adoption of Strategy

As a result of the internal and external barriers, some utilities may be reluctant to adopt new technology or follow industry standards. One effective method to induce utilities to adopt these technologies would be to produce a training video promoting pesticide stewardship that has received the endorsement of both the electric utility industry and the USEPA. The video could be shown at regional association meetings. On a national basis, the Edison Electric Institute has the potential to reach much of the electric utility industry through meetings and seminars.

As part of a policy statement regarding IPM Programs, the USEPA and state regulatory agencies should support risk reduction through the use of improved materials and technologies which are based on scientifically verified information. The utilities who utilize these materials and technologies could then be recognized by regulatory agencies for their efforts. This would encourage other utilities and would reassure the public about electric utilities' vegetation management programs.

An outreach program should be produced to educate the general public regarding utility safety and reliability concerns. The program should also address the IPM approach to R/W maintenance and the Best Management Practices that are a part of this strategy.