REQUEST FOR DIRECTION
DATE: November 4, 2020 Report No. EPW-20-021
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Jeff Miller, Director of Engineering and Public Works
SUBJECT:
Title
Level of Service for Vegetation Control - Roads and Sidewalks
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ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
Does the Committee of the Whole want to increase service levels within the road right of way to include organic growth management?
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the COTW receive Staff Report No. EPW-20-021 for information, provide any additional direction to staff as the COTW considers advisable, and direct staff to include a budget request for Council's consideration in the 2021-2025 Operating Budget.
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BACKGROUND:
The Township's infrastructure (gutter/curb/sidewalk) has experienced the growth of organic material at various locations. The most typical locations for this growth are either between the asphalt/gutter interface or/and curb/sidewalk interface. Due to the age and type of infrastructure, dirt has accumulated within these interfaces to allow organic growth. Depending on the location of the organic growth, tripping hazards can be created.
Prior to 2007, management of the organic growth was carried out with a once year application of herbicide. In 2007, the Township moved forward with adoption the CRD Model Pesticide Bylaw. This Bylaw enforced the abandonment of herbicide to control organic growth on concrete and asphalt infrastructure. Engineering and Public Works staff became responsible for the management of the organics that grows in these structures.
A number of methods were tested to control the growth of the organics including: Hot Water, Hot Foam, Steam, Vinegar, and Equipment (weed eater) none of which have proven as successful as herbicide because they do not eliminate the root structure and require a minimum of two applications per year.
The latest attempt to control organic growth occurred along Esquimalt Road. This effort involved the use of ...
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