The Onondaga County Health Department will begin to reduce the number of water chestnuts in the Seneca River in the Baldwinsville and Three Rivers areas beginning on August 17, 2015 through August 21, 2015. Water chestnuts are plants that are rooted in the river bottom.  Water chestnuts spread quickly and seeds can remain dormant for several years making elimination of water chestnuts a multi-year effort. Due to its thick formation, water chestnuts hinder navigation,  crowd native plants, and reduce fish habitat.

The primary herbicide that will be used for this purpose is Clearcast (active ingredient: imazamox). Rodeo (active ingredient: glyphosate) will also be used. Clearcast and Rodeo are considered safe for the control of vegetation in and around natural bodies of water and non-cropland sites. However, Clearcast and Rodeo are harmful if absorbed through the skin or inhaled and, can cause moderate eye irritation. As a precautionary measure, we are asking the public to avoid breathing in the spray mist while treatment is being done. Signs will be posted to identify the treated areas.