The USFS Utility Right of Way (ROW) Herbicide proposal raises many concerns, particularly for those who live near, within, or, adjacent to our National Forests. The utility’s proposed use of untested and unapproved combinations of herbicides displays a blatant ignorance and disregard for the biological sensitivity of human health and the environment.

Many residents living in or near the National Forest use shallow drinking wells or springs. Trace levels of herbicides in drinking water have been shown to cause irreversible harm to human health and the environment. These poisons damage the nervous and reproductive systems, especially in children. The USFS scoping letter misleads the public by stating that EPA “approved” herbicides will be used. EPA does not approve herbicides but merely registers them based on manufacturer’s data. The utility plans on using a tank mix of all five herbicides. This is a deadly combination of poisons that is not discussed or covered in any risk assessments or environmental analysis.

The danger of contamination to area drinking water sources is high. The Ozark National Forest has a significant amount of karst terrain. Karst areas contain numerous sinkholes, springs and streams that drain into subterranean caverns and caves. Water, and these poisons that are often carried by water, enter groundwater systems through cracks and crevices in the ground surface, and can travel as quickly as a few thousand feet to over a mile per day. Degradation of sensitive, underground habitats and groundwater can occur rapidly in these areas.

The scoping letter estimates that the total coverage area would be around 700 acres, but offers no explanation of how this number was calculated. My calculations indicate a total coverage area of over 5000 acres of power lines, crossing our National Forest and following the creeks, roads, and forests we regularly use. If this project were implemented, these would all be dead zones, rather than being utilized as areas of early seral stage forest growth that USFS managers say we need more of for deer, quail, and turkey habitat. Why poison the power line ROW forest openings that serve the same purpose as your wildlife openings?

From massive burning to the widespread use of dangerous poisons, our public lands seem to be under siege from land managers who are largely out of touch with the concerns of county residents. Putting public health at risk for the sake of allowing utilities to cut costs on line maintenance is irresponsible and unacceptable.
This proposal should be withdrawn. An EA is expected out this spring. The public is encouraged to review and comment. To be sure you are on the list to receive the EA, call Gary Knudsen at 479-964-7234 or email gknudsen@fs.fed.us

Stepp Creek is one of many Ozark streams that could be impacted by
allowing electric companies to spray herbicide along ROW's throughout
the Ozarks.