Existing pest management plans
Appropriate pest management initiatives improve the reliability and safety of FortisBC’s electrical systems while helping to reduce the spread of noxious weeds, invasive plants and other pests. FortisBC has standards and guidelines in place to achieve effective, safe, and environmentally sound management of pest management throughout its service territory.
The principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are incorporated into FortisBC’s strategy for managing noxious weeds, invasive plants and other pests that may adversely impact infrastructure such as wood poles. IPM means a process for managing pest populations that includes:
- planning and managing ecosystems to prevent organisms from becoming pests;
- identifying pest populations and potential pest populations;
- monitoring populations of pests and beneficial organisms, damage caused by pests and environmental conditions;
- using injury thresholds in making treatment decisions;
- suppressing pest populations to acceptable levels using strategies based on consideration of biological, physical, cultural, mechanical, behavioural, and chemical controls in appropriate combinations and environmental and human health protection; and,
- evaluating the effectiveness of pest management strategies.
Pest Management Plans are required to ensure
- Legal accountability with the provisions of the Integrated Pest Management Act, as well as all applicable Federal, Provincial, and regional laws and regulations;
- The responsible use of pesticides;
- The incorporation and use of Integrated Pest Management(IPM);
- Public awareness of, and input into, FortisBC’s pest management programs;
- That the effective use of an IPM program takes into account environmentally sensitive areas and land uses; and,
- That there is continued investigation into alternative methods of pest management while being vigilant in efforts to prevent damage to the environment.
To view FortisBC pest management plans, click here.
Integrated Pest Management In Action: Boundary Biological Control program
Photograph by Henry Caron
A report was commissioned to summarize the success of using biocontrol on noxious weeds on FBC Right of Ways in the Boundary Country. Biocontrol involves the release of natural predators (insects) onto populations of target invasive plants. These agents are carefully screened to ensure they are specific to the target plant. Biocontrol is the most cost-effective approach to controlling invasive plants at the landscape level.