Eradication Project in Aurora

During the summers of 2017 - 2021, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District, has worked on a project aimed toward the eradication of hydrilla from a portion of Cayuga Lake adjacent to the Village of Aurora. National and local experts on hydrilla agree that the use of herbicides is the best method to achieve eradication of hydrilla, and this treatment has been successful in reducing the amount of hydrilla by approximately 98%, but areas of hydrilla are still present.

The USACE is continuing this project in the summer of 2022 in partnership with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). The treatment area is in the vicinity of the Wells College Bay on Cayuga Lake. The treatment will consist of Fluridone in a slow release pellet form (trade name Sonar H4C) and a chelated copper herbicide (Harpoon Granular) that will be used to spot treat small areas of hydrilla that are outside of the main treatment area. A total of 10 treatments will occur between June and August. It is anticipated that the treatment during the summer months will continue for a number of years.

Chemical application will begin the week of June 27th and continue through August. Treatments will be applied by a New York State licensed professional applicator.  

Click here to see the "Proposed Lake Management Program-Cayuga Lake-Aurora, NY Letter of Notification overseen by the NYSDEC."

Click here to see the "Waterfront Owner/User Notification Letter for the Use of an Aquatic Herbicide on Cayuga Lake, Aurora, New York."

Click here to see the "Cayuga Lake at Aurora, New York Control Demonstration Project" 2022 brochure.

Click here to see the "Post-Treatment Assessment for Aquatic Plant Control ERDC Demonstration Project Wells College Bay, Cayuga Lake 2021."

Water Restrictions

There are no restrictions for fishing, boating, swimming, or livestock/pet water consumption at the proposed application rates of fluridone and chelated copper herbicides. . There may be some restrictions on watering certain plants with Fluridone treated water.

Wilson’s Disease

People with Wilson’s Disease have increased sensitivity to copper and should consult their physician regarding the application of Harpoon Granular and any precautions that should be taken.

Water Monitoring

The Cayuga County Health Department will conduct water quality monitoring of the public drinking water and the public bathing beach, when the beach is open, during this treatment period. View 2022 sampling results when they become available as well as previous year’s results (2018 sampling results,  2019 sampling results,  2020 sampling results and 2021 sampling results).