Vegetation management and the environment
Environmental protection
- (In French)Goldenrod
Report on goldenrod use in the maintenance of rights-of-way for transmission lines, aired on Radio-Canada's Découverte program.
Before carrying out any vegetation management work, Hydro-Québec identifies the sensitive elements in the environment (e.g. homes, streams, drinking water intakes, wildlife habitats, etc.) and then determines protective measures for each one, defining the zones in which specific measures will be implemented.
for over ten years, Hydro-Québec has carried out research on the impacts of rights-of-way on natural environments and wildlife with a special focus on:
- Habitat loss and fragmentation;
- The protection of sensitive species;
- The edge/barrier effect;
- The role of predation;
- Invasive plant species;
- Biodiversity Pamphlet on biodiversity (in french only).
Our actions are in line with four major components that encompass the public's main concerns: human health, wildlife and pet health, the natural environment and use by residents.
- Human health
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Hydro-Québec creates buffer zones around waterways, wells and water intakes in which herbicide application is prohibited to ensure that the water that runs through the streams, wells and intakes located near the rights-of-way is protected against herbicide contamination.
Hydro-Québec uses products that do not accumulate in the food chain and which are quickly degraded by the light and microorganisms in the soil. If ingested, the products will be rapidly and naturally eliminated by humans and animals. It is therefore safe to consume the flesh of the animals that find food and water in rights-of way. It is also safe to eat the fish that live in the waterways that run through rights-of-way. The herbicides are applied selectively, and berry plants are not sprayed. Berries that come in contact with the herbicides will wither and the plants will stop producing fruit. It is therefore also safe to eat the berries that grow in rights-of way.
- Wildlife and pet health
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Many studies recognized by the scientific community have shown that mechanical cutting and herbicide application carried out according to Hydro-Québec's standards do not negatively impact the wildlife species that live in rights-of-way. Before implementing vegetation management measures, Hydro-Québec consults government databases to ensure that there are no sensitive species or habitats on the targeted site.
Hydro-Québec maintains temporary ponds (basins or pools that generally dry up in summer) in rights-of-way to protect the amphibian populations that reproduce in the area.
To ensure wildlife survival, whenever possible, Hydro-Québec works with partners to assess the issues that impact the sensitive species living in the rights-of-way and especially the rare species that generally live in specific areas.
- Natural environment
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Hydro-Québec works to implement and maintain vegetation that is compatible with system operations in its rights-of-way by planting scattered shrubs and herbaceous plants. Like any habitat, this type of environment attracts certain species more than others. Rights-of-way are, however, home to a wide variety of species.
Maintaining the riparian vegetation along the waterways and arborescent plant species in deep valleys preserves the integrity of the landscape and species uses.
Hydro-Québec limits operations that significantly impact the soil (e.g. levelling, drainage and stump extraction) in an effort to minimize the environmental impacts for the species that frequent the rights-of-way.
- Use by residents
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The land use restrictions in rights-of-way (for passing and hunting, for example) are the same as those for any other property. Residents who wish to use a right-of-way located on private property must obtain the prior authorization of the land owner. Hunting and passing is allowed in right-of-ways on public land as it is in the surrounding public forests. Hunting stand construction must first be authorized by the landowner or the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune.
