Water Management
As part of its mosquito control program, the MCMEC has adopted a strategy to reduce mosquito-breeding habitat by physically managing surface water. This can range from removing log jams, blocks and sediment from a waterway, thereby eliminating stagnant water and flooding to excavating accumulated sediment from a lake, thereby improving the habitat for fish and other natural mosquito predators.
Often a project begins as a request for service from a municipal official or private resident. The MCMEC then inspects the site to see if there is a legitimate drainage concern and associated mosquito breeding. If the MCMEC can accomplish proper drainage, we will accept the project and write to the municipality. The MCMEC does not re-grade property to eliminate standing water.
The MCMEC has a countywide NJDEP Freshwater Wetlands and Flood Hazard Area permits that allow us to maintain streams, man-made watercourses and stormwater management facilities. In addition, we have a blanket permit for performing drainage work in tidal wetlands from the Army Corps of Engineers. All permits still require the MCMEC to submit a detailed notification to these agencies for every project involving the removal of sediment. (Work involving hand tools do not require permits). The MCMEC also requires every property owner adjacent to the waterway involved to sign a Right-of-Entry form allowing personnel and equipment access. The municipality must also enter into a Hold Harmless agreement with the MCMEC.
The MCMEC has low ground pressure equipment that allows us to work in relatively wet environments. For all our water management projects, the MCMEC follows "Best Management Practices for Mosquito Control and Freshwater Wetlands Management" prepared by NJDEP.
More information regarding the various aspects of the Mosquito Commission's Water Management Program can be found through the links below:
Page Last Updated: 10/8/2008 8:04:00 AM