Minutes 11-10-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

The Eno Hydrilla Management Task Force will continue to evaluate data from surveys of the Eno River ecosystem both within and above the treatment zone. Native vegetation is responding positively. It is anticipated that the results of the first year of the pilot study will be overwhelmingly positive, and that the Task Force will proceed with the second year of treatment. Over the winter months, the Task Force will consider using a lower concentration of fluridone, starting the injection process earlier in the growing season, and adding a second injection location in order to further minimize the apparent impact to native plants. Following completion of the full two-year pilot study, the Task Force will begin to discuss long-term objectives for the management of hydrilla throughout the Eno River watershed. Lastly, the County recently completed a contract with the NC Division of Water Resources for the addition of sterile grass carp to Lake Orange, which is infested with hydrilla. Grass carp are routinely used to help control hydrilla in lakes and reservoirs. Chair McKee said all information should be put out to the public as soon as it comes in. Commissioner Jacobs said the expected effect of the fluridone on the natural environment was not specifically known. Tom Davis said toxicologists were consulted before the treatment started. He said the treatment zone was picked because it was below the water system in Hillsborough. Bonnie Hammersley said this is the last work session of 2015. She said she, Travis Myren, and Chief Financial Officer Gary Donaldson started working on the 2016-2017 budget workshops today, with the goal of making them more informative, to better meet the needs of the BOCC. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to adjourn the meeting at 10:04 p.m. Earl McKee, Chair Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board