Cobbs Creek flows from heavily developed upstream communities down to Eastwick, which bares the brunt of flooding during heavy storms.
Catalina Jaramillo / StateImpact PA
Black fly suppression underway in PA
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Ed Arke
Catalina Jaramillo / StateImpact PA
Cobbs Creek flows from heavily developed upstream communities down to Eastwick, which bares the brunt of flooding during heavy storms.
(Harrisburg)—The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has started its 2020 Black Fly Suppression program. The efforts include aerial and backpack spraying along roughly 1,700 miles of streams in the state.
Forty-eight rivers and streams in 35 counties are being monitored and treated as needed. The frequency of the spraying by helicopter and ground crews is dependent upon weather and biological conditions. Treatments can not occur during periods of heavy rain or when water levels are high, since those conditions can lower the effectiveness of the treatments.
Prior to any spraying, DEP will notify county and local emergency management officials.
Participating counties and waterways in the region include:
Adams County–Conewago Creek
Berks County—Manatawny Creek, Schuylkill River, Tulpehocken Creek
Cumberland County—Conodoguinet Creek, Susquehanna River, Yellow Breeches Creek
Dauphin County—Juniata River, Mahantango Creek, Susquehanna River, Swatara Creek
Huntingdon County—Aughwick Creek, Frankstown Branch Juniata River, Juniata River
Juniata County—Juniata River, Susquehanna River, Tuscarora Creek
York County—Conewago Creek, Susquehanna River, Yellow Breeches Creek
The spraying aims to reduce the nuisance of black flies on people seeking outdoor recreation. DEP uses Bti, a bacterium that treats the larval stage of four specific black fly species. The bacterium does not harm aquatic ecosystems, birds or other insects.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
