HEMC Herbicide Program
The two herbicides Krenite and Arsenal that are being used on HEMC rights-of ways are approved for use on rights-of-ways by the EPA, USDA and GA Department of Agriculture. The herbicides being used will only affect enzymes found in plants, not humans or animals. The application HEMC uses is a low-volume back pack application the crews walk through the right-of-ways and spray only the targeted species.

Krenite or Arsenal will not contaminate ground water, wells, or streams. It can actually be applied up to the high water mark. However as we discussed earlier this year, we have been leaving a 25 foot buffer on each side of all streams and river crossings as a courtesy to the public.

There are numerous wildlife organizations such as Quail Unlimited, Buckmasters, Butterfly Lovers International, and the Wild Turkey Federation that promote herbicide application as the preferred method of maintaining rights-of-ways. By doing so, we minimize disturbance of nesting sites and actually increase the amount of herbaceous material on the floor which is necessary for cover and food.

~ Terry Ward
Manager of Operations HEMC