The Vetiver Network International

Public Utility Right Of Ways

Introductory Photo Essay VS_public_utilities.pdf (vetiver.org)

Public utility rights of way can be badly eroded if not correctly protected. VGT makes a good choice for protecting these areas as has been shown in a number of countries such as Thailand, Costa Rica, Madagascar, and Venezuela. It is also useful for stabilizing above ground utility infrastructure such as electricity pylons, pipeline pumping stations etc. Often these right of ways are in remote parts of the country and therefore need a passive form of protection that needs minimum maintenance and that can survive fires. VGT is good candidate.

Photo 1 Gas line construction in Thailand – steep eroded section planted to vetiver. The latter was effective in stabilizing the slope and acting as a pioneer plant for native species that soon took over.
Photo 2 Electricity pylon in Venezuela protected by vetiver. The footings of the pylon were eroding. Vetiver stopped the erosion.