The Cayuga County Health Department has announced an updated timeline for this summer’s herbicide treatment to control the spread of hydrilla in Cayuga Lake. The initial application of fluridone (Sonar® H4C) will now begin the week of June 23.
The treatment, part of an ongoing effort led by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, targets the invasive plant species in the vicinity of Wells College Bay. A total of ten fluridone treatments are scheduled between June and August, with a possible copper-based (Harpoon® Granular) application planned for August.
Officials say there will be no restrictions for drinking, fishing, swimming, or boating during the treatment. However, treated water should not be used for greenhouse or nursery plants, newly seeded lawns, or some vegetables.
The Health Department will monitor public drinking water throughout the treatment period. Sampling results and reports on treatment effectiveness will be posted on the department’s website at https://www.cayugacounty.us/467/Hydrilla.
Signs will be posted at public lake access points where herbicides are applied, and a treatment map is available through the health department.
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