By Carl Clutchey Local Journalism Initiative reporter As herbicide use in rural and forested areas remains a sore point with environmentalists, First Nation groups and some opposition MPPs, Hydro One continues to use chemicals as part of its efforts to control unwanted tree growth in transmission corridors. The utility says it does so in ways that minimize risk, though opponents to the practice maintain non-chemical methods are just as effective and safer for human health. “Herbicides are never used in proximity to open water courses, including rivers and creeks,” a Hydro One spokeswoman said this week in an email. Starting next week, the utility plans to include herbicide spraying as part of brush-control work along its transmission corridors in sections of Shabaqua, Conmee, Oliver Paipoonge and Finmark townships. Hydro One… <\/p>\n
By Carl Clutchey Local Journalism Initiative reporter As herbicide use in rural and forested areas remains a sore point with environmentalists, First Nation groups and some opposition MPPs, Hydro One continues to use chemicals as part of its efforts to control unwanted tree growth in transmission corridors. The utility says it does so in ways that minimize risk, though opponents to the practice maintain non-chemical methods are just as effective and safer for human health. “Herbicides are never used in proximity to open water courses, including rivers and creeks,” a Hydro One spokeswoman said this week in an email. Starting next week, the utility plans to include herbicide spraying as part of brush-control work along its transmission corridors in sections of Shabaqua, Conmee, Oliver Paipoonge and Finmark townships. Hydro One... <\/p>\n