Regular maintenance and the removal of trash and debris along with annual herbicide applications keep local waterways at maximum capacity, which increases flow, reduces the likelihood of flooding and directs water away from neighborhood properties and local habitats.
Flood Control
The Flood Control Division of Water Environment Protection (WEP) provides continuous maintenance and preventative flood measures within the Onondaga County Drainage Districts by removing trash and debris from waterways, maintaining the surrounding landscape, and responding as needed during and after heavy weather events.
Maintenance of Drainage Districts
The Onondaga County Legislature established four (4) Drainage Districts in the 1970s to oversee maintenance and improvements of select waterways and to limit chronic, seasonal flooding in the area. The Flood Control Division of Water Environment Protection (WEP) provides continuous maintenance and preventative flood measures within the Onondaga County Drainage Districts.
Regular maintenance of Drainage Districts helps keep local waterways at maximum capacity, reducing the likelihood of local flooding and directing water away from neighborhood properties and local habitats. Flood Control mows and trims vegetation, removes trash and debris, and inspects WEP infrastructure to ensure District waterways are unobstructed.
Springtime Treatment
To further reduce flooding and control terrestrial vegetation along these waterways, WEP contracts licensed professionals to apply select herbicides to particular Drainage District locations in early springtime every year, as permitted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC). These professionals will safely apply herbicides according to the application instructions of each product and in compliance with all local and federal laws.
Obstructed Waterway? Notify WEP
Toppled trees, garbage, and debris can block Drainage District waterways and lead to area flooding. If you see an obstructed waterway, please Contact WEP.