Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative's goal is to provide safe and reliable electric service to our members. To do this, we must manage the growth of certain vegetation that could interfere with providing you reliable service.
Cooperative crews manage unwanted vegetation within right-of-way easements using a variety of methods which are periodically evaluated for safety and environmental impact. The cooperative uses an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) approach which includes a combination of mechanical (mowing and sky trimming), manual (hand-cutting), and chemical (herbicides) methods.
Maintenance is performed throughout the year. We utilize line clearance contract crews to routinely trim and remove unwanted vegetation surrounding more than 2,500 miles of overhead and underground distribution lines. When herbicides are used, these applicators utilize low volume backpack methods, specifically targeting trees and vegetation that can grow directly into the overhead lines, as well as restrict access to the poles on our system. Herbicides used include small amounts of Trycera, Arsenal, Method, Polaris, Escort, and/or AquaMaster are used in conjunction with each other to provide the best treatment for the planned area. A color dye is also used for identification and auditing purposes. All of these products have been tested and approved for this use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To learn more, click here.
Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative manages its right-of-way with concern for the environment. By using herbicide that specifically targets woody vegetation, it allows the native grasses to grow, creating habitat for wildlife as well as an environment that pollinators can thrive in. By doing so, this also allows the cooperative to continue to provide safe and reliable electric service to our members and access the utility poles within our easements efficiently in the event maintenance or repairs are needed.
Questions regarding our right-of-way and vegetation management program can be directed to CCEC's Vegetation Management Coordinator, Brent Toler at brentt@ccemc.com.