Homeowners need OK from AEP to treat aquatic vegetation

A new process for treating aquatic vegetation is in place at Smith Mountain Lake. Under Appalachian Power's new license to operate Smith Mountain and Leesville dams, homeowners must first seek permission from the power company.

According to the license's Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan, homeowners, along with their licensed herbicide applicators, must fill out applications designating the type of herbicide that will be used, the species that will be treated and the size of the vegetation bed. In a press release, Appalachian Process Supervisor Teresa Rogers said only certain herbicides have been approved for use.

Permits will be issued for non-native vegetation on a case-by-case basis with consideration given the aggressiveness of the species and whether its growth hinders navigation, recreation or angling. There is no fee for the permit application. John Shepelwich, a spokesman for Appalachian, said homeowners can expect a quick turnaround of "less than a week in most cases."

If homeowners are granted approval, a three-month permit for treatment will be issued. Homeowners must notify adjacent property owners before the treatment begins.

Within 30 days of the treatment, the applicator must complete a report detailing the treatment process and effectiveness.

According to the Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan, Appalachian will control invasive vegetation at beneficial-use areas, which have been identified as public access ramps and fishing piers, SML State Park, SML Community Park and sites set aside by Appalachian for future recreational use.

Shepelwich said Appalachian will work in conjunction with the Smith Mountain Lake Association, which operates a weed hotline (719-WEED) and dispatches volunteers to identify vegetation, and the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission, which has treated invasive vegetation for several years.

For more information, or to download permit applications, visit www.smithmtn.com.