A worker uses Foamstream to kill weeds in an image from the company's informational brochure. (Council agenda package/City of P.A.)

By Alison Sandstrom

Turning over a new leaf

Council considers steam as replacement for some chemical herbicides

Dec 3, 2020 | 2:00 PM

An environmentally friendly weed control method is under consideration by the City of Prince Albert.

City parks manager, Tim Yeaman, says Foamstream – a product that uses hot water and steam, insulated by biodegradable foam – can be used to replace herbicides in some areas of the city.

“The foam encapsulates the weeds maintaining the high temperature and actually killing the weed off at the root,” Yeaman told council at Monday night’s executive meeting.

While Yeaman said he doesn’t think the city will ever be able to get away from using chemicals on its sports fields, Foamsteam could be used in high traffic areas like the downtown, and in and around sidewalks, parking lots, meridians, flowerbeds and city facilities.

The parks department began researching alternatives to chemical herbicides in response to a 2019 motion from council and concerns brought forward by residents.

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“The image that I’m trying to take away from the public is when we send our staff out in the middle of the day and they’re wearing a full body suit and gloves and rubber boots and a face mask, it sends the wrong message,” Yeaman said. “It’s saying that we’re protecting our staff, but we’re not protecting you.”

Foamsteam would cost $60,000 for the 2021 season. But Yeaman said money could potentially be saved on chemicals and staffing. Unlike spraying herbicides, no certification is needed to use thermal weed control systems.

“Water is less expensive than chemical,” he said. “So we’re going to save on the chemical end and we’re going to be able to cover more area because we have more staff that can actually apply it. Currently right now we don’t have enough certified staff to actually reach all the areas in the city and that’s where we’re struggling.”

Council will consider funding the alternative weed control method during 2021 budget deliberations, but the idea got some early support from several members.

“I think it’s really important that we do spend the $60,000 for the health and safety of our public and our employees,” Coun. Charlene Miller told the meeting.

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alison.sandstrom@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @alisandstrom