Whatcom County Public Works Department officials say they are beginning the 2021 Road Shoulder Herbicide Program. Approximately 250 miles of roads are typically scheduled for treatment but due to COVID-19 precautions and staffing, only “certain safety locations and noxious sites” will be included this year.
Lawns and yard areas may have a minimum 12″ wide strip treated to aid drainage and minimize pavement damage.
Property owners who do not wish to have the right-of-way abutting their property treated have the option of maintaining it themselves. Arrangements need to be made by calling the Maintenance and Operation staff at (360) 778-6400 between 8am and 4pm, Monday through Friday. There is no charge for this service.
According to the Whatcom County website, the Herbicide Program includes:
- The strip next to the pavement is treated for erosion control of the road surface by preventing encroachment of grasses and weeds.
- Low-growing brush and noxious weeds are treated without removing the grass, which serves as a filter for road surface water runoff.
- The dormant brush winter program keeps small trees and blackberries back from the road edge.
- Applications also include signpost treatment, guardrail treatment, and noxious weeds.
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