Utility's use of growth regulator on trees draws concern
MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - Electric utility Indiana Michigan Power's use of a pesticide to hinder the growth of thousands of trees has drawn concerns from some homeowners.
Indiana Michigan Power spokesman Tracy Warner said the company has treated hundreds of thousands of trees with growth regulator starting more than 10 years ago. He told The (Muncie) Star Press (http://tspne.ws/1Hj2zq3) that more than 22,000 trees will be treated this year in its service territory of eastern and northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.
Warner said using the growth regulator helps delay tree trimmings. The Fort Wayne-based company spent more than $27 million last year on vegetation management, which includes tree trimming and removal, herbicide applications, and growth regulators.
"Trees and power lines are a bad combination," Warner said. "Trees are the No. 1 source of outages during weather events."
Warner said Indiana Michigan Power always notifies customers in advance and gives a number to call if they don't want the growth regulator used.
Muncie resident Sara Mong recently came home to find a door hanger from the company saying the growth regulator would be applied to her property. She was concerned it might contaminate the fruit of a cherry tree and her garden, and tried to call the number on the notice, but it was disconnected.
"It's one thing for them to come and cut your trees, which has everybody up in arms," she said. "But just to come and put poison on your property, that's not right."
Warner said the phone number that Mong was provided was out of service for less than 36 hours because a telephone line was cut in the southern United States. A contractor has since called to tell her the growth regulator won't be used on her property.
Ed White, pesticide products manager at the Office of Indiana State Chemist, said the chemical being used on the tree is listed as a "general use" pesticide, meaning those applying it don't need a state certification unless are doing so for hire on another person's property. White said EPA categorizes the pesticide as one that can cause eye or skin irritation and is slightly toxic if inhaled, eaten or absorbed through the skin.
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Information from: The Star Press, http://www.thestarpress.com