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Frequently Asked Questions Where Operations Are Carried Out
The Hydro-Québec notice says you'll be applying herbicides in my municipality. Will you be doing it on my property? Only certain transmission lines and right-of-way segments will be treated selectively with herbicides. We do not use herbicides on the distribution system (i.e., the power lines that run up to individual homes). The owners of property lots where vegetation control operations are planned will receive advance written notification by mail.  Why is Hydro-Québec applying herbicides in my municipality, when in other places you simply cut the vegetation down? Before Hydro-Québec decides to apply herbicides to control vegetation, it does a detailed study of the plant community to determine whether herbicide application is the best method (in terms of effectiveness, cost, and environmental impact). Even if no herbicides are applied to the rights-of-way in a given area one year, it doesn't mean that they won't be used in the future. It all depends on what kind of vegetation is present and how fast it grows. The objective is to establish and maintain low-growing plants and reduce the frequency of interventions. As recommended by the MDDEP, Hydro-Québec practises "integrated vegetation management." After analyzing the type, height and density of the plants, as well as the environmental components, we select the method that will have the least impact on the environment. If we decide to use herbicides, we identify all areas that could be affected (rivers and streams, wells, houses, etc.) and establish a buffer zone where any application of herbicides will be prohibited. Hydro-Québec only applies herbicides selectively: the products work only on certain types of plants, and they are applied only to the trees that need to be controlled in the right-of-way. Note that the pesticides used by Hydro-Québec represent only 0.4% of the total amount sold in Québec every year. How does Hydro-Québec let people know that vegetation control operations will be conducted on their property? When herbicides must be used to control vegetation, the Pesticides Management Code specifies that we must send written notification to the municipalities concerned. In addition, a message must be published or broadcast in the regional media to inform the public. The message must describe exactly where the work is to be performed, the methods used, the period during which crews will be working, and the pesticides used. It must include a telephone number where additional information can be obtained. Whether the work is mechanical (brushcutter, chainsaw) or involves the application of herbicides, we send written notification to the owners of all property lots affected, describing the type of work to be performed on property for which Hydro-Québec holds a servitude. |
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