ALABAMA POWER COMPANY’S AQUATIC PLANT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Alabama Power Company recognizes the ecological importance of aquatic vegetation in the reservoirs operated by the company and manages this vegetationaccordingly. Aquatic vegetation will be managed for the optimization of all of the many uses of these reservoirs in compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.
STEP 2: RECORD GPS LOCATION WHERE INVASIVE PLANTS ARE SPOTTED
Download a GPS app on your mobile device. Choose one that allows you to share your location. When you spot invasive plants, get as close to them as safely possible. Use the GPS app to record your location on your device.
STEP 3: SEND GPS COORDINATES TO ALABAMA POWER
Send the GPS coordinates via email to Tim McLean at Alabama Power at [email protected] or call 1-800-LAKES-11, or click below to fill out a form to send to Alabama Power
Any questions regarding Alabama Power’s aquatic plant management program or request for assistance may be directed to Environmental Affairs, Vector and Aquatic Plan Management, at 1-800-LAKES-11.
CONTROL MEASURES Aquatic plant control will be considered if the vegetation:
Creates a potential public health hazard by providing mosquito breeding habitat.
Poses a threat to power generation facilities or water withdrawal structures.
Restricts recreational utilization of the reservoir.
Poses a threat to the ecological balance of the reservoir such as may be the case of an exotic aquatic plant that is known to create problems in the above categories.
Aquatic vegetation will be enhanced or left in its natural state in areas that do not meet the above criteria as deemed appropriate by the company to enhance fishery habitat and the natural beauty of the reservoir.
Alabama Power Company’s aquatic plant control program is directed toward, but not limited to, exotic species listed in the “Alabama Nonindigenous Aquatic Plant Control Act.”
Since many of the natural controls such as insects and diseases were not introduced with these plants upon entry into the United States, exotic species can outcompete native species and plant diversity may be affected.
Alabama Power’s program is based on a maintenance control philosophy, where measures are initiated before noxious weeds reach problematic stages. Once weeds reach a problematic stage, it is difficult to return to an original maintenance level.This philosophy minimizes chemical control and promotes plant diversity. All aquatic plant control measures are directed by staff biologists certified as commercial aquatic applicators by Alabama’s Department of Agricultural and Industries. Only EPA-approved aquatic herbicides are used in the company’s aquatic plant management program. The extent of assistance to homeowners or corrective action initiated will be determined by actual need and where the control falls within the control categories.
Any questions regarding Alabama Power’s aquatic plant management program or request for assistance may be directed to Environmental Affairs, Vector andAquatic Plan Management, at 1-800-LAKES-11.