Regular maintenance of Drainage Districts helps keep local waterways at maximum capacity, reducing the likelihood of local flooding and directing water away from neighborhood properties and local habitats. Flood Control mows and trims vegetation, removes trash and debris, and inspects WEP infrastructure to ensure District waterways are unobstructed. To further reduce flooding and control terrestrial vegetation along these waterways, WEP contracts licensed professionals to apply select herbicides to particular Drainage District locations in early springtime every year, as permitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). These professionals will safely apply herbicides according to the application instructions of each product and in compliance with all local and federal laws.

How does regular maintenance reduce flooding?

Regular maintenance and the removal of trash and debris along with annual herbicide applications keep local waterways at maximum capacity, which increases flow, reduces the likelihodd of flooding and directs water away from neighborhood properties and local habitats.

What type of regular maintenance is performed by WEP employees?  

Flood Control employees regularly mow, trim, and remove woody vegetation and debris, and inspects WEP infrastructure to ensure unobstructed water flow and reduce the chances of flooding during rainfall events. WEP employees do not apply herbicides. 

What type of regular maintenance is performed by contracted professionals?  

WEP contracts licensed professionals to apply select herbicides to certain Drainage District locations to control and manage terrestrial vegetation along the banks to reduce area flooding, as permitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). These professionals will safely apply herbicides according to the application instructions of each product and in compliance with all local and federal laws.  

Why are herbicides used as part of regular maintenance? 

Herbicides reduce vegetation growing in and around drainage ways, which can obstruct water flow and can lead to flooding and other drainage issues. It should be noted that many agencies use herbicides to maintain vegetative growth. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYS DOT), for example, applies them to manage roadsides for motorist safety, to avoid drainage issues, pavement damage, and to deter wildlife. 

What products will be applied?  

List of products registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and approved by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Bureau of Pesticides Management (NYS DEC) which may be used by contracted professionals within the Onondaga County Drainage Districts of Harbor Brook, Meadow Brook, Bloody Brook, and Ley Creek / Bear Trap. *Please note that not all of these products are applied simultaneously. Their usage may vary depending on specifics and they can be employed in any combination, as required. 

Are these products safe for bees and other pollinators?

Herbicides used by our contractor are formulated to target aquatic vegetation and are not labelled harmful to pollinators by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA uses a NOAEL rating (No Observable Adverse Effect Level) to determine the highest dose of product that can be used without showing negative effects. Application rates include a safety factor, which is generally 10x less than the observable NOAEL. By complying with application instructions along with local and federal laws and regulations, WEP's contractor ensures proper effectiveness with minimal impact to the environment, wildlife, and people.

When are applications made in each Drainage District?  

Applications are scheduled annually in early spring. The start dates listed below are estimated, depending on weather and environmental conditions.