Public works: Greystone says it will stop spraying rights-of-way in Chattahoochee Hills and revert to 3-year cutting cycle

Public Works Director Darryl Wendland told the council that after meeting with Greystone leadership the utility contractor said it would discontinue right-of-way spraying in Chattahoochee Hills and instead pursue a cutting cycle every three years.

Wendland said the company described a change in spraying practices this year that made treated areas more visible and that Greystone representatives told staff they are "not going to do it anymore" in the city. "But as of now, they will not be spraying in our city anymore, only cutting every 3 years," Wendland said.

Wendland and staff said they are seeking a formal agreement that would allow public-works crews to cut a slightly wider area in some power-line corridors (where city rights-of-way permit it) and noted examples where other cities secure non-spray intervals. Councilmembers asked whether an agreement could include a no‑spray clause to protect that commitment in the event of future leadership changes at Greystone; Wendland said Greystone was not willing at the meeting to add a no‑spray clause but that city staff would pursue permanent agreements where possible.

Residents had raised concerns that sprayed herbicides impacted berries and roadside vegetation; Wendland said Greystone reported 7,200 miles sprayed this year and that the city's complaints were among the few it had received. Staff said they expect to publish informational materials and a brochure on the herbicide and continue outreach to residents.