Residents in parts of Pennsylvania's Montgomery, Berks, Schuylkill, Lehigh, Northampton, and Bucks counties can expect to see a helicopter buzzing over nearby waterways as part of an operation targeting pesky black flies. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is set to carry out aerial suppression tactics using a biological agent on Wednesday, August 28, and Thursday, August 29, starting at 8:00 A.M. according to a Bucks County official announcement.
Folks enjoying the outdoors along the Schuylkill River, Perkiomen Creek, Tulpehocken Creek, Lehigh River, Delaware River, and Neshaminy Creek should be on the lookout for the contracted chopper, a distinctively striped Bell 206 Long Ranger with tail number N660HA. The flights will adhere to daylight hours and will take a route determined in real-time, subject to the day's weather and flight conditions.
The operation is a focused effort, with the helicopter applying a specialized larvicide known as Vectobac 12AS along specific segments of water. Vectobac, a product of Valent Biosciences, utilizes Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i.), a bacteria that's lethal to black fly larvae but harmless to fish and other aquatic life. Although a noxious fish oil scent may accompany the application, officials assure it poses no risk to the environment or human health, as noted in the Bucks County announcement.
Before dispensing the treatment, pilots will perform precautionary flyovers to identify and avoid any people or potential aerial hazards. The application strategy involves the helicopter flying at a right angle to the water flow, dropping the brown, viscous liquid directly onto the water's surface. It's a precision job, executed every few miles along the rivers and creeks in question.
Helicopter Applicators Inc, the company responsible for the distribution of the B.t.i. material has been brought on board to help manage the black fly population, which can not only be a nuisance but also can impact the quality of life for residents and deter tourism in affected areas. While the operation is under DEP's coordination, local agencies and parties with vested interests in maintaining a healthy ecosystem and enjoyable recreational venues have also been involved in the planning process.
