Development of Pest Management Plans 2010 - 2015

FortisBC is seeking public and First Nations input as we update integrated pest management plans for facilities, wood poles, and rights-of-way. All three of these plans are for a five year period from 2010 – 2015.

Appropriate pest management initiatives improve the reliability and safety of FortisBC’s electrical system while helping to reduce the spread of noxious weeds, invasive plant species and other pests.

FortisBC is committed to open dialogue with customers, stakeholders and First Nations. We believe your feedback is an important part of the process as FortisBC develops these pest management plans.

The facilities and wood pole plans are currently in draft form and available for review and comment until November 30, 2009.

The rights-of-way plan is also in draft form and available for review and comment until December 21, 2009.

Feedback can be submitted by:
Writing to Brad Wright, Suite 100 - 1975 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, V1W 7V7
Emailing brad.wright@fortisbc.com
Phoning (205) 717-0804
Faxing 1-866-627-7038

For review

Frequently Asked Questions Facilities and Wood Poles
Frequently Asked Questions Rights-of-Way

Draft Facilities Pest Management Plan
Facilities Pest Management Plan Ad

Draft Wood Pole Pest Management Plan
Wood Pole Pest Management Plan Ad

Draft Rights-of-Way Pest Management Plan
Rights-of-Way Pest Management Plan Ad

 

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 on 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

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.



Photograph By Henry Caron