The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will conduct aerial black fly suppression operations this week along sections of the Neshaminy Creek and Delaware River, the Bucks County Health Department announced.
The spraying will be used to control black fly gnat populations in the region.
On Wednesday, June 25, operations will focus on the Neshaminy Creek, from Playwicki Park in Middletown Township upstream to the Route 611 Bridge in Doylestown Township.
The helicopter is expected to begin its work around 8 a.m. from Wings Field in Montgomery County.
On Thursday, June 26, the state will move the black fly suppression operation to the Delaware River from Slateford in Northampton County down to Yardley Borough.
The operation is scheduled to begin after 8 a.m. from Braden Airpark in Northampton County.
The helicopter used for these operations will be a white Bell 206 Long Ranger with blue and red stripes and have tail number N660HA.
Helicopter Applicators Inc. will be dispersing Vectobac 12AS, a bacterial larvicide, to suppress the black fly population.
According to the health department, the product is described as a brown liquid with a fish oil odor. It is the only one approved for use in Pennsylvania waterways for black fly suppression.
Officials stated that Vectobac 12AS is not toxic to fish or other aquatic organisms.
The helicopter will fly at low, near tree-top levels, releasing the Vectobac at specific predetermined locations along the designated waterways.
Residents are advised that these applications are limited to the specified streams and rivers and do not involve spraying over the entire county.
For more information on Pennsylvania’s black fly program, the public can visit https://www.dep.pa.gov/BlackFly.
Advertisement
Meet Your Canna Coach: Personalized Guidance, Free for You!
Leave a Comment