Appalachian Power to use helicopters to maintain some power line rights-of-way

West Virginia (WOAY)- Weather permitting, Appalachian Power will launch an aerial maintenance program next week aimed at clearing vegetation around high-voltage power lines across West Virginia.  

The utility says helicopters will be used to apply herbicides in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Herbicides used by AEP and Appalachian Power have been registered for use on rights-of-way by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDoA).

Herbicides used are imazapyr, metsulfuron methyl, fosamine, triclopyr, aminocyclopyrachlor, and aminopyralid.

The manufacturer, colleges, governmental, and independent research laboratories have extensively tested each.

The project is part of a routine program to maintain rights-of-way and ensure the reliability of electric service.  

The aerial method is used only in less populated regions, where ground crews face safety and access challenges.  

In more populated areas or near sensitive sites, such as parks or ponds, alternative methods are used instead.  

Before spraying begins, helicopter pilots will visually inspect all areas to identify sensitive zones and ensure people and animals are not present.  

Landowners who prefer to handle vegetation control themselves can opt out of aerial treatment by entering into a right-of-way agreement with the company.  

In return, they may receive compensation equal to the cost of the herbicide application–if their work meets Appalachian Power’s standards.  

Customers with questions or those wanting to report sensitive areas near power lines, such as gardens, wells, or livestock pastures, can contact Appalachian Power at 1-800-642-3622.  

Pole or tower numbers should be provided when reporting specific locations.  

Once the program begins, daily updates on treatment areas will be available through the same number.  

Complaints about potential damage can also be filed with the company or reported to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Regulatory Programs Unit in Charleston. 

Visit aeptransmission.com/WestVirginia for more information about upcoming AEP projects in West Virginia.