For this reason, Progress Energy uses a variety of methods to manage unwanted vegetation on rights of way. We evaluate methods for safety, environmental impact and costs. Because of the variety of terrain, differences in soils and land use and vegetation type, Progress Energy uses an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) approach, which includes both mechanical and chemical control methods.

Progress Energy right-of-way maintenance is performed by contractors using a variety of methods. Mechanical methods include pruning, felling, mowing and hand clearing. Chemical controls involve the use of herbicides, which are used to control woody vegetation that reseeds or resprouts after mowing. Without herbicide applications, these sprouts grow quickly and require repetitive mowing. Over time, the use of herbicides results in the growth of favorable low-growing, nonwoody plants, such as grasses and other native plants. These new plant communities do not interfere with power lines and the reliable flow of electricity to our customers. In addition, they provide a natural habitat that benefits many kinds of wildlife. As a result, there is a reduced need for future mowing and herbicide applications.

Progress Energy's IVM approach balances concerns for human safety, animals and pets, agricultural crops and overall environmental issues. The herbicides used at Progress Energy have been approved for use on power line rights of way by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA requires rigorous toxicological, environmental and chemical testing before the herbicides are registered for use. Also, the herbicides Progress Energy uses have the same chemical ingredients as those our customers can purchase in stores (such as Roundup™) for controlling weeds in gardens, yards and for agricultural practices. Most importantly, our applications are performed under the supervision of a licensed applicator.

Progress Energy evaluates its right-of-way management program throughout our service area to be certain that all segments of power lines are accessible for maintenance of facilities and restoration of power during emergencies. When herbicides are used, the program consists of low-volume foliar application from May through October, dormant-stem application from October through April and cut-stump/vine application throughout the year.

Progress Energy uses small amounts of eight herbicides for vegetation control on power line rights of way: Accord, EPA Registration # 62719-324; Arsenal, EPA Registration # 241-299; Garlon 3A, EPA Registration # 62719-37; Garlon 4, EPA Registration # 62719-40; Stalker/Chopper EPA Registration # 241-398; Krenite, EPA Registration #352-395; Sprakil S-5, EPA Registration # 34913-10; Topsite 2.5G, EPA Registration # 34913-22.

Progress Energy manages its power lines with concern for the environment. Natural vegetation serves as a source of food and shelter for many animals, such as song birds, quail, wild turkey, deer and rabbits. For these reasons, the herbicides selected are designed specifically to control vegetation and to minimize the risk to wildlife.

Mindful of our need to be good environmental stewards, Progress Energy works with federal, state and local governmental agencies and environmental organizations to identify and protect natural ecosystems and rare plants located within our rights of way, which we protect by selectively managing these sites. Progress Energy makes every effort to conserve compatible native plants within our rights of way that are valuable to wildlife and to control invasive exotic plants that threaten sensitive ecosystems.

We have found that many of our customers are pleased with this herbicide program.  However, for organic farmers and others with concerns, we can provide other options.  To discuss these options, contact Progress Energy Carolinas at 1-888-201-2229.  If you desire a Material Safety Data Sheet or the manufacturer's label, please contact us at 1-888-201-2229, or access the manufacturer's Web site by selecting one of the links below:

• Accord
  EPA Reg No. 62719-00324
• AquaNeat
  EPA Reg No. 228-365
  • Material Safety Data Sheet
  • Label
• Arsenal
  EPA Reg No. 00241-00299
• Arsenal 5G
  • Material Safety Data Sheet
  • Label 
• Garlon 3A
  EPA Reg No. 62719-00037
• Garlon 4
  EPA Reg No. 62719-00040
• Escort XP
  EPA Reg No. 352-439
  • Material Safety Data Sheet
  • Label
• Habitat
  EPA Reg No. 241-246 
  • Material Safety Data Sheet
  • Label 
• Krenite
  EPA Reg No. 00352-00395
• Milestone VM
  EPA Reg No. 62719-537
  • Material Safety Data Sheet
  • Label
• Profile 2SC Tree growth regulator
  EPA Reg No. 67690-22
  • Material Safety Data Sheet
  • Label
• Quicksilver
  EPA Reg No. 279-3272
  • Material Safety Data Sheet
  • Label
• Stalker
  EPA Reg No. 00241-00398
• Sprakil S-5
  EPA Reg. No. 34913-10
• Topsite 2.5G
  EPA Reg. No. 34913-22
• Vista
  EPA Reg. No. 62719-308
  • Material Data Sheet
  • Label