What risk is associated with pesticide application in right of way settings?

The risk associated with pesticide application in right of way settings primarily relates to harm to the treated site. When pesticides are applied, they can potentially disrupt the local ecosystem, leading to negative effects on non-target organisms, including plants, insects, and animals. This disruption can manifest as damage to surrounding vegetation, harm to pollinators, and unintended consequences for the soil microbiome. The application may impair the health of the flora and fauna that were not the intended targets of the pesticide, possibly leading to long-term ecological imbalances.

In addition, pesticide runoff can contaminate nearby water bodies, harming aquatic life and possibly affecting human health through drinking water supplies. Therefore, the application of pesticides must be carefully managed and monitored to mitigate these risks, ensuring that while controlling unwanted weeds or pests, the surrounding environment is protected as much as possible.