Notice: Canadian Pacific Railways Vegetation Management Program

05/17/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the Community that Kahnawà:ke will again be participating in the Vegetation Management Program at the request of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR). The program sprays herbicide along the railway track, which keeps the vegetation from growing and causing any damage to the track, preventing derailments.

Spraying will take place for one hour total during the first week of June on the tracks only, using special equipment that includes shrouds on each side to prevent spray drift.
The actual date is scheduled for Tuesday, June 5th but could change due to weather.

There are concerns that the MCK could be held liable in the case of a derailment due to lack of proper maintenance. While both the MCK Community Protection Unit and the Environment Protection Office have concerns about spraying, it is agreed that safety must remain a priority.

“This procedure puts us in a somewhat difficult position,” said Chief Kenneth McComber. “We are very protective of the environment and would much rather use other methods but, unfortunately, there is no better method at this time.”

Over the past several years other options such as removal by hand, steam, fire, etc. have been tried, though they have proven to be ineffective. 

The MCK wishes to remind Community members living in the area to err on the side of caution and keep away from the tracks during spraying and for approximately 24 hours afterward.