Residents, supervisors raise health and environmental concerns about roadside spraying

During the public-comment period residents described concerns about herbicide use, tree clearing and lack of notification tied to Appalachian Power work along several county roadways and water crossings.

One resident said the company did not notify neighbors before spraying and described a severe reaction requiring crutches after chemicals were applied nearby. She said crews had driven equipment over a parcel she believed to be wetland and cut a large white oak on her property.

Supervisor comments and other speakers raised similar concerns, urged the administrator to request material safety data sheets and a map of chemicals and locations used for spraying, and recommended the county invite Appalachian Power to speak publicly about its practices. A supervisor also said he filed a complaint with DEQ, which later contacted the affected resident and obtained follow-up from the utility. Another participant cited historical litigation and described concerns about persistent herbicides used on roadsides.

Board members asked staff to gather pesticide information, consider whether the county can require notification and, if within county power, to take action to protect residents’ health and property.