HERBICIDES ARE A POISON

Sometimes being technical is a drawback. For residents beside the two corridors that Hydro One are proposing being trimmed and sprayed; the issue is quite clear. These corridors are recognized trails used by adults, children and even wildlife. Herbicides have long been recogtnized as having significant animal and human health issues. Yes some are more dangerous than others but none of them are good for you.

"The company plans to trim vegetation to protect its power line equipment along two corridirs in the city."according to today's Waterloo Region Record article titled "Waterloo wants Hydro One to resist using herbicides along corridor". I honestly don't find the quote about protecting power line equipment to be a clear explanation. What equipment is grass going to threaten? If it's small trees and limbs touching live cables then surely trimming will be effective for a significant length of time. My suspicion here is that as always herbicides are simply the quickest, cheapest solution, not the only solution. Based on human experience around the use of these toxins, these parents and residents are right to make a stink. Just for once what is known as the Precautionary Principle in science, should take precedence.

Kudos to the City of Waterloo for standing up and supporting their residents legitimate concerns for the health of the environment and all living things. Further kudos to Hydro One if they are able to resolve their problems without endangering others.