### MASSACHUSETTS MOSQUITO CONTROL

ANNUAL OPERATIONS REPORT



## 2008 Year of Report Date of Report: 04-06-09

Project/District Name: Northeast Mass. Wetlands Mgmt. Mosquito Control

Address: 261 Northern Blvd. P.I.

City/Town: Newburypor t Zip: 01950

Phone: (978) 463 - 6630 Fax: (978) 463 - 6631

E-mail: nemmc@comcast.net

Report prepared by: Jack A. Card

If you have a mission statement, please include it here: Mission Statement

The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito C ontrol and Wetlands Management District represents the mosquito control and wetlands management interest of those

communities that choose to subscribe to it’s services. The prime directive of the District is to protect its citizens fr om mosquito-borne diseases by targeting specific, measured, and preemptive responses to specific risk as prescribed by the Districts annuallyrevised “Vector Management Plan ” (VMP). To insure our ci tizens quality of life and the regional economy is not severely impac ted by abundant pestiferous mosquito outbreaks, strategies ta rgeted to reduce dominant mosquito populations are implemented as prescribed by the Dis tricts annually-revised “Best Management Practice” (BMP) plans. ThThe Northeas t Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District represents the mosquito control and wetlands management interest of those co mmunities that choose to subscribe to it’s services. The prime directive of the Distric t is to protect its citizens from mosquito-borne diseases by targeting specific, m easured, and preemptive respons es to specific risk as prescribed by the Districts annually-revised “Vector Management Plan” (VMP). To insure our citizens quality of life and the r egional economy is not severely impacted by abundant pestiferous mosquito outbreaks, st rategies targeted to reduce dominant mosquito populations are implemented as pr escribed by the Districts annually-revised “Best Management Practice” (BMP) plans. Thes e plans are tailored specifically to each member municipality, addressi ng their needs and concerns, as well as incorporating

their recommendations. These Control strat egies are designed to be environmentallysensitive and economically-efficient.ese plans are tailored specifically to each member municipality, addressing their needs and concer ns, as well as incorporating their

recommendations. These Control strat egies are designed to be environmentallysensitive and economically-efficient.ORGANIZATION SETUP:

Please list your Commissioner's names:

Robert N. Morehouse , Retired EPA Chairman Peter M. Mirandi, RS MPH Vice Chairman Vincent J. Russo, MD,MPH Sharon McCabe, CEHT John W. Morris, CHO

Please list the Supt./Directo r's name: Walter G. Mongomery Please list the Supt./Director' s contact phone number: (978) 463-6630 Please list your Asst. Supt./Ass t. Director's name: Jack A. Card

Do you have a website? Yes

If yes, please list the web address here: http://www.northeastmassmosquito,com

Please list your staffing levels for the year of this report:

Full time: 9

Part time: 1

Seasonal: 6 Other: (please describe)

Please break these down into the following areas:

Administrative staff: 1.5

Field staff: 15

Please check off all that apply, and list employee name(s) next to each category: Public relations Walter Montgomery, Esteban Cuebas-Incle, Jack Card (Emily Sullivan, Robyn Januszewski in varying capacities) Information technology Jack Card, Emily Sullivan, Robyn Januszewski Entomologist Esteban Cuebas-Incle Wetland Scientist (Emily Sullivan - Wetlands Project Coordinator) Biologist Robyn Januszewski Education Esteban Cuebas-Incle, Robyn Januszewski Laboratory Esteban Cuebas-Incle, Anthony Corricelli Operations Walter Montgomery, Est eban Cuebas-Incle, Jack Card, Emily Sullivan, Robyn Januszewski, Anthony Corricelli, Horrace Baxter (Seasonal) Thaddeus (Ted) Tatarzzuk (seasonal), William Montgomery (Seasonal), William Mehaffey Jr., Tim Hay, Maureen Douglas, Dennis Gallant, Steve Kiar sis (Seasonal), Richard Caron (Seasonal), Paul Howard (Seasonal) Facilities Jack Card - (all employees) Other (please list)For the year of this report, we maintained:

22 vehicles 18 modified wetland equipment (list type) 84 /99 Smally 808-D Excavator/rotary ditcher (out of service), Kassboher DR170 Flail mower/ditcher/grader(out of service), Kassboher DR270 Flail mower/grader, Kassboher PB270 Flail mower/Rotary ditcher/grader, Kassboher PB260 Dump B ody/grader, 77 Bombardier Muskeg Dump Body, 87 Bombadier Muskeg Backhoe, 99 Link Belt 1600 Excavator,74 Eager Beaver Heavy Equipment Trailer (out of service) , 95 Eager Beaver Heavy Equipment Trailer (rebuilt in 2007), 95 Hudson Spray Trailer, 97 Karavan Boat Trailer, 98 Car Mate Utility Trailer, 95 Alumacraft 13 foot Boat wit h 25 hp outboard motor, Wayne wood chipper, 96 Rokon all-terrain motor cycle, 1987 ARGO 6 wheel amphibious ATV, Clark type G

fork lift. 16 ULV sprayers (list type)

Electromist #000445 2003 Spare Parts(fire ) Shelf #9 (05)

Electromist #000442 2003 Adultici ding Shelf #3 (05)

Electromist #000443 2003 Adulticiding Shelf #10 (06)

Electromist #000444 2003 Adultici ding Shelf #16(05)

Electromist #000411 NH 2005 Spare parts Shelf

Leco Model HD Series D 70001047 NH 06/20/06 Barrier Active #18(06) (Blower Model 26-3210 S/N 6498C85)

Leco S/N # 7200373 ULV 1100 NH 01/22/08 Barrier Active #07(08) (Blower Model RAI 89D S/N 93534 Roots ID # 865-105-20)

London Air XKE London Fog # 1783 (Adapco) 2005 Adulticiding Shelf #09(06)

London Air XKE London Fog #1781 (Adapco) 2005 Adulticiding Shelf (06)

Beco Mist Model 250 S/N 3534 (# C55409) 2006 Adulti ciding Active #16 (08)

Beco Mist Model 250 S/N 3561 (# C55411) 2006 Adulti ciding Active #13 (08)

Beco Mist Model 250 S/N 356 5 (# C55408) 2006 Adultici ding Active #3 (08)

Beco Mist Model 250 S/N 360 1 2006 Adul ticiding Active #14 (08) Replaced (06) with 3535

Beco Mist Model A002S S/N (# C55554 ) 2008 Adulticiding Back up #21 (08)Beco Mist Model A002S S/N (# C55555 ) 2008 Adulticiding Active #22 (08)

Ag Sprayer Veg. Contro l Active Tr. (07) Larval control equipment (list type) Birchmire Backpack - Pump Sprayers, Orchard Sprayers (Reel) Hand Application Devices Other (please be specific):

Comments:

How many cities & towns in your service area? 32 Please list: Amesbury, Andover, Beverly, Bo xford, Danvers, Georgetown, Groveland, Ipswich, Hamilton, Haverhill, Lynn, Lynnf ield, Manchester, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Nahant, Ne wbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Revere, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, Swampsco tt, Topsfield, Wenham, West Newbury, Winthrop

*Please attach a link to a map of your service area if possible. NA

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM):

DEFINITION: a comprehensive strategy of pest control whose major objective is to achieve desired levels of pest control in an environmentally responsible manner by combining multiple pest control measures to reduce the need for reliance on chemical pesticides; more speci fically, a combination of pest controls which addresses conditions that support pests and may include, but is not limited to, the use of monitoring tec hniques to determine immediate and ongoing need for pest control, increased sanitation, physical barrier methods, the use of natural pest enemies and a judicious use of lowest risk pesticides when

necessary.

Please check off all of the serv ices that you currently provid e to your member cities and towns as part of your IPM program; details of these services are in the next sections.

Larval mosquito control Adult mosquito control

Source reduction

Ditch maintenance Open Marsh Water Management Adult mosquito surveillance Education, Outreach & Public education

Research Other (please list): Inspect ional Services, Development Plan Reviews, Invasive Vegetation Control, Wastewater and Wate r Treatment Facility inspections and treatments, Site Reviews, Greenhead Fly Control

Comments: INSPECTIONAL SERVICESThe old saying an ounce of prev ention is worth a pound of cure is very true in mosquito control. Early intervention or preemptiv e action to prevent a potential mosquito breeding site from becoming an actual mosqui to breeding site is as much a control strategy as an application or treatment to an actual breeding site and often an existing mosquito breeding problem can be easily corre cted. While the District is authorized under the provisions of chapter 252: sect ion 4 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth to enter upon lands for the purpos e of inspection it is not a regulatory agency. Nor is it our intention to cause any imposition on any citizen or business, but

rather to be a resource for information and technology to help pr operty owners prevent or abate mosquitoes to the mutual benefit of the property owner, the community and mosquito control.

The District acts as a technical advisor as requested by the Board of Health and represent the municipalities public and animal health and human annoyance concerns relative to mosquito breeding, potent ial breeding and proposed development. The District, at the request of the board of health wil l also review site plans and inspect sites

were storm water structures are planned or in the proc ess of constructed. Upon inspection of a site the District will ma ke written recommendat ions, submit these

recommendations to the board of health and cc the land owner.

The primary vector species of West Nile Virus, Culex pipiens usually breeds in artificial containers such as, catch basins, storm water st ructures, etc. In pa rticular this species seems to thrive where others fail, due to th eir ability to survive in highly organic and polluted water These conditions are often associated with industrial or office parks, commercial or agricultural livestock facilities. Because of the potential for Culex species mosquito breeding, the primary vector of West Nile Virus in and around industrial or offices park, agricultural and livestock facilit ies the District will routinely inspect such

areas.

LARVAL MOSQUI TO CONTROL:

Do you have a larval mosqui to suppression program? Yes

If yes, please describe the purpose of this program: To control mosquito populations pre-emptively, before they become adults.

Please give the time frame for this program: March - October

Describe the areas that this program is used: Upland, Salt Marsh, Man made

Do you use: Ground applied (includes hand, portable and/or backpack) Helicopter applicationsOther (please list):

Comments: Policy and Procedure for Ground Larvaciding revised 2/94, 1/98, 1/07

Surveillance: The Operations Manager will assign Field Techni cians to specific areas.

Field Technicians will use the Districts larvic iding site data base to inspected and treat sites in their assigned areas. If discrepancie s are found or site changes have occurred Technicians will make note of the discrepanc y and submit it wit h their Larviciding Report.

Ten random dips samples from each site will be taken and recorded on a Larviciding Report before site is treated. The maximum larvae to be counted per dip is thirty (30).

This information will be entered into the dat a base to establish a breeding history, prioritize sites and justification fo r wetlands management site selection.

Freshwater: Ground larviciding will be restricted to small area s that can realistically be treated in a reasonable period of time in clos e proximity to residential or public use

areas.

Salt Marsh: Following aerial salt marsh la rviciding applications technicians may spot treat areas, as is necessary and practical, at their own discretion or as directed by the Operations Manager.

Application: Technicians will wear all prot ective clothing, equipm ent, etc., that may be required by label direction when mixing, applying or otherwise handling any pesticide. All pesticides will be used in strict accordanc e with label directions, pesticide regulations and application rates.

Larviciding Report: Field Technicians will co mplete a Larviciding Report and submit it with a Record of Pesticides applied as directed by the Operations Manager.

POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR AERIA L SALT MARSH LARVICIDING 01/98

REVISED 1/07

Notification: The Director will publish a le gal notice in February of each year in accordance with 333 CMR 13.05. The legal notice will give general information about aerial salt marsh larviciding applications , a contact person and telephone number. Specific dates and times of applications will be determined by surveillance data. municipal boards of health and the Massachuse tts Pesticide Bureau will be notified by phone or fax prior to each application.

Pretreatment Surveillance: The Operations M anager will assign Field Technicians to specific areas. Designated Field tech’s will generally observ e flooding and rainfallevents on the salt marsh in their assigned area. As flooding and rainfall events dictate Field Tech’s will survey breeding sites. At the discretion of Field Tech’s as many random dip samples will be taken as is necessa ry to determine the location and extent of breeding on a salt marsh. For the purpose of record keeping and efficacy evaluation a minimum of ten pre-chosen and fully recove rable dip stations will be established in each designated area. Dip samples will be tak en from each of these dip stations prior to an aerial application and recorded on an Aeri al Larviciding Survey – Pretreatment

form.

Aerial Application: The Operations M anager will determine the optimum time of each application based on pretreatm ent surveillance data, tides , weather and conditions, availability of aircraft and gener al input from Field Tech’s. The Director will notify health departments in each of the municipalities the applications is to take place. The Operations Manager wil l notify and coordinate with air port personnel, property owners or persons otherwise in c harge of designated landing zones. Field Tech’s will be responsible for designating sites to be sprayed in their assigned areas.

Landing Zone Operations: The Operations Manager will s upervise and coordinate all LZ support operations such as water supply, pesticides supply, mix and formulation of finished spray and application rate. Record all data relative to the operate as prescribed in the District’s Aerial Larviciding report. Rinse and disposal of pesticide containers.

Postreatment Surveillance: Field Tech’s will survey sprayed sites 3 hours after the application if possible but not to exceed 24 hours after the applic ation. At the discretion of Field Tech’s as many random dip sample s will be taken as is necessary to determine the overall efficacy of the appl ication. Dip samples will be taken from a minimum of ten pre-chosen, fully recoverabl e dip stations after each app lication and recorded on an Aerial Larviciding Survey – Prostreatm ent form.

POLICY AND PROCEDURES FOR CATCH BASIN AND STORM WATER STRUCTURE APPLICATION (revised 1/03 1/07)

Catch basins and storm water structures will be inspected and treated according to the

VMP and or the BMP of i ndividual municipalities

INSPECTION: Technicians will inspect each Catch basin to make sure the basin is holding water or capable of holding water befor e treating basin. In the course of catch basin inspection and treatment technicians will inspect and treat as necessary storm

water structures. The locati on and a brief description of t he structure will be recorded on their Daily Report

APPLICATION: Technicians will wear all pr otective clothing, equipment, etc., that may be required by label direction when mi xing, applying or otherwise handling any pesticide. All pesticides will be used in strict accordanc e with label directions, pesticide regulations and application rates.Altosid Pellets - will be appl ied at a rate of 7 grams or 0.25 ounces ( 2/3 of a table spoon) per basin.

Altosid WSP – will be applied at a rate of 1 packet per basin

Vectolex WDG - will be appli ed at a rate of 2 ounces per basin

Vectolex WSP – will be applied at a rate of 1 packet per basin.

Abate Pellets – will be applied at a rate of 7 grams or 0.25 ounces (2/3 of a table spoon) per basin.

5% Skeeter Abat e - will be applied at a rate of 0.25 oz/ basin

CATCH BASIN REPORT: Technicians will complete a Catch Basin or Storm Water Structure Report and a Record of Pesticides Applied.

Record of Pesticides Applied - Altosid - to calculate "Total Finished Spray Applied"

count the total numbe r of basins treated on the Catch Basin Report and mult iple by 0.25 to get total ounces applied

Example - 100 basins tr eated x 0.25 = 25 ounces applied.

Record of Pesticides Appl ied - Vectolex WDG - to ca lculate "Total Finished Spray Applied" count the total number of basins treated on

the Catch Basin Report and multiple by 2 to get total

ounces applied

Example - 100 basins tr eated x 2 = 200 ounces applied.

POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR ST ORM WATER STRUCTURES (draft 1/03)

Current Strom Water Policy, adopted by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in November 1996, calls for installation of storm water structures, wetland replicati on areas, and retention / detenti on ponds. Many of these artificially created habitats are situated in close proximity to human populations, continue to hold water long after natural areas have dried back and become prime breeding habitat for vector species mosquit oes. While storm water structures have been a concern of mosquito control, when put in perspective of other mosquito habitat they have not been a priority. The rapid spr ead of these structure, especially in urbanareas and the expanding threat of West Nile Virus have raised mosquito control

concerns relative to these structures to a new higher level. Both Culex pipiens, the primary vector for West Nile Virus, and the recently discovered exotic species, Ochleratatus japonicus, not only thrive in man-made, highly polluted and organic habitats, they avidly seek these areas for the water qualities they exhibit.

Storm water structures may become blocked and ineffective due to a number of causes. In addition to silt, road sand, and natural deb ris that get washed into the structures, many have become dumping grounds for yard waste, Christmas trees, building debris, etc. This creates the highly organic and po lluted conditions preferred by the vector species Culex pipiens and Ochl eratatus japonicus. For this reason the District will create a data base, prioritizing sites in order of mosquito breeding and or breeding potential and develop control strategies and protocol.

In the course of larviciding and catch basin treatments Field Technicians will inspect and treat as necessary storm water structur es. Technicians will completed a Storm Water Structure Report. Reports will be forw arded to the Field Technician Specialist for further entry into the data base and further evaluation.

What products do you use in – (please use product name and EPA#)

Wetlands: Teknar G #70051-73, Vectobac G #275-50, Vectobac CG #275-70, Altosid Pellets #2724-448-64833, Vectobac 12 AS #73049-38

Catch basins: Altosid WSP # 2724-448, Vetole x WSP #73049-20,5% Skeeter Abate

#8329-15
Containers: Teknar G #70051-73, Vectobac G #275- 50, Altosid WSP # 2724-448,

Vetolex WSP #73049-20

Other (please list) :

Please list the rates of applicat ion for the areas listed above:

Wetlands: (Vectobac 12 AS 1qt./acre), (Teknar G, Vectobac G, Vectobac CG, Altosid Pellets 2.5 - 10 lbs/acre)

Catch basins: (Altosid WSP 7gr./basin), (Vectole x WSP 10gr./basin), (Altosid Pellets 0.25oz./basin), 5% Skeeter Abate 0.25 oz/ basin

Containers: (application rate / container type & size)

Other: storm water structures - (application rate / type & size)

What is your trigger for larvicid ing operations? (check all that apply)

Larval dip counts – please list trigger for application: Larva Present

Historical records Best professional judgment

Comments: As different habitat dictates.*Please attach a link to maps of treat ment areas if possible.

ADULT MOSQUITO CONTROL:

Do you have an adult mosquito suppression program? Yes

If yes, please describe the purpose of this program: To control amounts and species for

management purposes and resident complaints

Please give the time frame for this program: 9:00 pm to 3:00 am ( a s conditions warrant)

Describe the areas that this program is used: Outdoors only in communities that

participate in the NEMMC+WMD. As per city or town and residents request, as per

individual cities or towns BMP and as advised by the NEMMC+WMD based on

surveilance data and/or MDPH in formation or other applicable co nditions.

Do you use: Truck applications Portable applications Aerial applications Other (please list):

Comments:

Please list the names of the products used with EPA #: 1). Anvil 10 + 10 # 1021-1688-8329 2). Suspend SC # 432-763 3). 4). 5). 6).

Please list your application rates for each product: 1). Anvil 10 + 10 - 0.42, 0.62, 0.21 fl oz. / ac re ULV variable flow 15 mph 3.8 oz / min 2). Suspend SC - 1 oz./gal. 1 Gal / min (water mix) 3). 4). 5). 6).

Please describe the maximum amounts or frequency used in a particular time frame

such as season and areasAnvil 10 + 10 - 77.05 gal. Active Suspend SC - 2.16 gal. Active

What is your trigger for adulticidi ng operations? (check all that apply)

Landing rates - please list trigger for application Light trap data - please list trigger for application Complaint calls - please list trigger for application

Arbovirus data Best professional judgment

Comments: Abundance, species, location, vir us data, complai nts all are in strumental

in triggering an application

POLICY AND PROCEDURE FO R GROUND ADULTICIDING

Revised 1/98 1/06 3/06 1/07

General: Adulticiding applicatio ns shall be executed in accord ance with the Districts

Vector Management Plan (VMP) and/ or individual municipalities B est Management

Practice Plan (BMP) consisten t with the provisions of The Gener ic Environmental

Impact Report (GEIR) for mosquito control.

Ultra Low Volume (ULV) Applicat ions: ground ULV applications wi ll done by means of

truck mounted ultra low volume ( ULV) non thermal aerosol spraye rs capable of

delivering from 1 to 6 ounces per minute equating to 1 to 6 oun ces per acre. ULV will be

used for selective, targeted ar eas and wide area applications.

Selective, Targeted ULV Appl ications: Shall be done in respons e to either residents

request or request from a munici pal health department or board in accordance with that

municipalities BMP. A minimum of three request from residents in the same vicinity are

required to trigger an application of a street, section of a st reet, neighborhood, block or

area or as otherwise requested by the health department or boar d.Wide Area ULV Applic ations: Shall be done in response to surve illance data, multiple

residents request, municipal hea lth department or board request in accordance with that

municipalities BMP. Or as re commended by the District in respo nse to a specific

vector/virus threat in accor dance with the Districts VMP.

Time of Application: ULV applic ations will be conducted during evening hours, after

dusk. If circumstances or conditions make an evening applicati on impractical or unsafe

then predawn applicati on may be warranted.

Barrier Applications: Barrier applications will be done by mea ns or truck mounted

barrier spray equipment capable o f delivering 1 gallon per minu tes. Barrier applications

will be used to achieve control over a longer period of time an d thereby reduce the need

for repeated ULV applications. B arrier applications will be us ed on public use areas

such as, parks, play grounds, ath letic fields and school ground s in response to request

from school officials and muni cipal health departments or board s in accordance with

individual municipalities BMP or the Districts VMP.

Time of Application: Barrier s pray applicati ons will be conduc ted after dusk and before

dawn.

Post-Application procedure: Tec hnician will complete an Adulti ciding Report and a

Record of Pesticides Applied. T echnicians, on their next retur n trip to headquarters, will

submit reports, down load a ll GPS and computer data.

Disable ULV sprayer: When not i n use all ULV sprayers will be disabled for security

reasons.

*Please attach a link to maps of treatment areas if possible. NA

SOURCE REDUCTION

Do you perform source reduction methods such as tire/container removal? YesIf yes, please describe your program: by hand as needed during inspections, treatments, ditch maintenance, OMWM or in conjunction with organized wetland clean

ups.

What time frame during the year is this method employed? Year round.

Comments:

DITCH MAINTENANCE

Do you have a ditch maintenance program? Yes

Please check all that apply:

Inland/freshwater

Saltmarsh

If yes, please describe: Policy and Proc edures for Mechanized Ditch Maintenance Effective: January 1st, 2002

revised 1/1/04

MECHANIZED DITCH MAINTENANCE STANDARDS

INTRODUCTION

REVISED: 05-06-04 / 02-25-05 / 02-20-06 The original set of Ditch Maintenance Standards was wri tten by the Essex County Mosquito Control Project (ECMCP) for their Ditch Ma intenance Program. These Standards were specifically written as a reference tool for ECMCP staff to conduct

standardized ditch maintenance activities in the field. They were developed and revised over the years to reflect the ECMCP’s ever changing practices based on lessons learned in the field, suggesti ons provided for by regulator y and other representatives of the professional industry, current trends, evolving equipment sophistication, and increased knowledge of envir onmental response. These Standards have since been adapted to complement the Northeast Massac husetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District’s Policy and Procedur es for Mechanized Ditch Maintenance, formerly the ECMCP and herein referred to as the District. The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetla nds Management District has designed the following Standards to incorp orate the objectives of mosquito control and ditch maintenance activities while preserving the ecological integrity of freshwater wetland environments. The District continually stri ves to provide a mo re environmentally sensitive approach to fresh water wetlands management for mosquito control. This

revision was also written in the best interest of keeping this District’s activities in

accordance with the Generic Environmental Impact Report. These Standards will not

address individual wetland clas ses whereas, "there is no si ngle correct, indisputable, ecologically sound definition of wetlands and because demarca tion between dry and wet lies along a continuum" (Cow ardin et al. 1979). Ditch ma intenance activities will occur in both wetland and upland si tuations. Though not commonly practicedoccasionally ditch maintenance will occur in salt marsh communities on a site specific

basis. Ditch maintenance will be conducted by District personnel under the authority of Chapter 252 of the General Laws of t he Commonwealth of Massachusetts and under the ditch maintenance exempt ion as provided for in Section 404 of the Clean Waters

Act. Maintenance will occur in waterways that have been ditc hed or maintained previous to 1978 as determined by physical and or historic al evidence. This interpretation of the 404 exemptions was the result of a 1988 review by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

The Corps examined a varied sample of ditc h maintenance projects completed over a five year period by the Esse x County Mosquito Control Proj ect, (now the District). The

consensus of this review was that ditch ma intenance activities for mosquito control in Essex County were generally implemented in compliance wit h the intent of the 404 exemptions and in accordanc e with 33 CFR 323.4 and 33 CF R 330.3 (a). Since then ditch maintenance projects have been conduct ed based on this interpretation of the 404 exemptions. Though not common the District may also conduct maintenance type activities such as dredging in waterway s subsequent to 1978 as allowed for in accordance with the provisions of the Clean Water Act in 33 CFR Part 323.2 Definitions. (d)(3) The term discharge of dredged material does not include the following: (i –iii). According to the provisions of Chapter 252 t he District has no authority in fresh water of

those communities who do not subscribe to District Services. See Appendix for other legislation relevant to aut hority and exemptions for the District’s ditch maintenance activities. The objective of these Standards is to provide a step-by-step guide to ditch maintenance procedures that reflect the intent of the 404 exemptions. The District’s objective of ditch maintenance is to abate mo squito populations, decrease the potential for mosquito larval habitat and reduce the need for insecticides as part of an integrated pest management, (IPM) strategy.

Let It Be Known The District only speaks for itself and this doc ument reflects the District’s policies and procedures alone. Ditch Maintenance Programs and corresponding Standards vary from Mosquito Control Project to Mosqui to Control Project and should reflect each Project’s specific mosquito control concer ns, species, habitat, socio-economic needs, available equipment and inhouse expertise. The District does not represent any other Mosquito Control Projects on this subject nor does this document necessarily reflect any of the other Mosquito Control Proj ects’ Ditch Maint enance Programs.

BEAVER ACTIVITY AMENDMENT REVISED: 01/07/04, 02/23/05, 11/08/05

INTRODUCTION: Since the adoption of the ant i-trapping ballot referendum in 1996, the beaver population in Massachusetts has nearly tripled. Waterways subject to beaver activity are often altered from free flowing systems to large, slow or no flow systems. As a result, many areas adjacent to wetlands have now become flooded, resulting in the potential of increased breeding habitat for mosquitoes. T he District has established a pilot program to investigate the relationship between mos quito breeding habitat and beaver habitat;their potential impacts on increased mosquito populations and mosquito borne viruses and their relevance to human populations.

PETITION: Municipalities may petition the District to investigate locations associated with beaver activity in accordance with the District's Wetlands Man agement Policy and Procedures.

Petitioned sites such as wetl ands or waterways that have been altered due to beaver activity will be evaluated in accordanc e with the District’s Standards for Ditch

Maintenance. OPTIONS:* Upon determination that mosqui to breeding or a pot ential for mosquito breeding exists, site work beyond the sc ope of the District’s Standards for Ditch Maintenance may be required as follows:

A. Trapping: Removal of beavers from an area prior to beginning any ditch maintenance. Trapping will be done by certified District personnel.

B. Ditch Maintenance: Dams, dikes, blo ckages, etc. may be cleared from existing ditches to manage the level of water within a wetland or wate rway in order to complete projects safely and efficiently. OPTIONS: (CONTINUED)

C. Water-Flow Devices: Water-flow devices ma y be installed to maintain a desired level of water within a wetland or waterway whil e still allowing beavers to remain in the system.

* Site work conducted on beaver impacted we tlands and waterways will be performed in full cooperation and partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and

Wildlife as well as the petitioning municipality.

FACT SHEET # 10.

Open Marsh Water Management

History: OMWM was originally develop ed in New Jersey as an environmentally sensitive alternative to grid ditching salt marshes and has also been used in the Mid Atlantic States for many year s. In 1982 a collaborative effort with mosquito control, the Town of Rowley Massachusetts, the Manomet Bird Observatory and the Massachusetts Audubon Society in a 3 year study of OMWM . Based on the principles established in New Jersey and the Mid Atlantic States a standard was developed specific to the needs

of the salt marshes of New England.

Objective: The objective abate mosquito p opulation, reduce the need for insecticides,

enhance the tidal food web and restore previously ditched, altered or degraded salt

marshes.

Principle: OMWM is a site specific manag ement technique that us es existing features of a salt marsh to create or enhance ponds, pools and pans to serve as reservoirs formosquito eating fish and habitat for water fowl and wading shore birds and provides access for the fish to mosquito breeding areas by creating or enhancing radial

connectors.

Standards: OMWM is done in strict acco rdance to the standards for OMWM. The standards are a step by step pr ocedure that is followed to implement OMWM projects.

Sites are monitored before wo rk is done and established crit eria must be met. The standards define the types of al teration which are acceptable. Sites are monitored for two years after work is completed.

Site Plan: After a site is monitored and criteria is met, this data is analyzed and alteratons are designed on site and a plan is developed. The site plan is an aerial photograph with a transparent over lay depicting alterations.

Alterations: Designed alterations are impl emented by highly specialist, environmentally sensitive, low ground pressure equipment.

Restoration: It is estimat ed that 3,000. miles of grid ditch were excavated by hand in Essex County between 1929 and 1934. These ditches severely altered and degraded salt marshes. The demonstrates ability of OMWM to restore salt marsh and manage Phragmites growth has led to partnership s with numerous Federal, State and private groups to restore coastal salt marshes.

Please check off all that appl y INLAND DITCH MAINTENANCE:

Hand tools Mechanized equipment Other (please list):

Comments:

Please check off all that apply SALTMARSH DITCH MAINTENANCE:

Hand cleaning Mechanized cleaning

Other (please list): OMWM Resroration

Comments:

Please give an estimate of cumulative length of ditches maintained from the list above

INLAND :

Hand cleaning 3449' Mechanized cleaning 110' Other (please list) :

Comments:Please give an estimate of cumulative length of ditches maintained from the list above

SALTMARSH :

Hand cleaning As needed in conjunction with mechanized cleaning

Mechanized cleaning

Other (please list):

What time frame during the year is this method employed? Fall to Spring, as conditions

allow.

Comments:

*Please attach a link to maps of di tch maintenance areas if possible. na

OPEN MARSH WATER MANAGEMENT

Do you have an OMWM program? Yes

If yes, please describe:

Open Marsh Water Management: OMWM has been an important compon ent of the

Districts IPM strategy to manage sa lt marsh mosquitoes for 25 y ears. During this time

hundreds of OMWM projects have been successfully completed resu lting in an

incremental reduction in acres aer ial larvicided and a dramatic reduction in truck

spraying for adult mosquitoes. While the District continues to strongly support the

concept and implementation of O MWM, our permit has expired and despite a two year

effort to renew the permit, i t has been denied. Therefore we a re unable to implement

any OMWM projects for the foreseeable future. While the Distri ct is actively working to

resolve this matter we are also reviewing the fiscal realities of continuing to implement

OMWM. Extensive permitting procedures and increased site monit oring and project

implementation protocol will si gnificantly increase operational costs. These

considerations may ultimately make OMWM cost prohibitive.

Selective Salt Marsh Ditch Mai ntenance: In lieu of OMWM and to insure that the

significant gains achieved through OMWM are not lost, the Distr ict will implement a

selective salt marsh ditch maintenance program. The District w ill investigate potentialsites for opportunities to implem ent selective salt marsh ditch maintenance. Sites will

be considered based upon surveillance data obtained through the Districts aerial

larviciding program: known mosquito larval habitat. Areas of g reatest distance from

aerial larviciding landing zones (to minimize operational costs ) and areas which are

difficult to treat due to physical site char acteristics will be given priority.

Please give an estimate of tota l square feet or acreage: N/A

What time frame during the year is this method employed? Fall to Spring as conditions

allow.

Comments: Permit was denied and OMWM will likely be unavailable in 2009.

*Please attach a link to maps of OMWM areas if possible. N/A

ADULT MOSQUITO SURVEILLANCE

Do you have an adult mosquito surveillance program? Yes

Please list the number (not location) of MDPH traps in your service area: 0

Please check off all the types of surv eillance that apply to your program:

Gravid traps Resting boxes CDC light traps Canopy CDC light traps w/CO 2 Canopy ABC light traps Canopy ABC light traps w/CO 2 Canopy NJ light traps Canopy NJ light traps w/CO 2 Canopy

Other (please describe): BG S traps (Ground) designed to attract Ae. albopictus)

Please describe the purpose of this program: To Monitor population levels and species,

specify locations for management purposes and collect vector sp ecies to be tested for

arboviruses.

Do you maintain long-term trap sites in any of your areas? Yes

If yes, please describe how you chose thes e long-term sites. focal point, location, accesability, type, security, power accessFACT SHEET #5

Adult Mosquito Surveillance

General: There are many different species of mosquitoes. The District has collect 47 different species in our area, of these t here are around 12 mosquito species important to human health, nuisance and qua lity of life. All mosquit oes species have one thing in common, the female must have a blood me al before she can lay eggs. Different mosquitoes have different breeding habitat and host-seeking behaviors. The key to managing mosquito populations efficiently and effectively is understanding the interaction between mosquitoes and human populat ions. Adult Mosquito Surveillance is the means by which we gather this info rmation which is then used in determining operational strategies.

Light Trap: A light trap is a device used to co llect adult mosquitoes. It consist of a fan, a light, a carbon dioxide-dispensing device and a collection basket. Female mosquitoes seeking a blood meal are attracted to the carnon dioxide (hereafter, CO2) and are drawn into the net by the fan. The Dis trict has one light trap in each member municipality in a fixed location, which al lows for monitoring long-term trends and the effectiveness of control measures, as well as short-term events which require response. The District also has portable traps which can be deployed at short notice in response to data from fixed LT, residents complaints or vector surveillance obervations.

Gravid Trap: A gravid trap is a device us ed to collect container-b reeding species. It consist of a pan of highly organic water and a co llection chamber which bridges the pan. Some mosquito species lay their eggs in arti ficial containers such as catch basins and prefer highly polluted organic wate r. Female mosquitoes landi ng on the surface of this water to deposit eggs are drawn into the colle ction chamber by the fan. The District has one gravid trap in each member municipality in a fixed loca tion. This fixed location gravid trap is useful in monitoring l ong term trends, the effectiveness of control

measures and vector surveill ance. The District also has portable traps which can be deployed at short notice in response to data from fix LT, complaints or vector surveillance. Gravid traps are the primary colle ction sources for the vectors of West

Nile virus.

Resting Boxes: A resting box is a device designed to collect resting blood-fed female Culiseta melanura mosquitoes, the principle vectors of Eastern E quine Encephalitis Virus, EEEV. Resting boxes have demonstr ated to be an efficient and effective tool.

Most of the EEE virus isolations in the Distric t to date were from mosquitoes collected in resting boxes. Typically, EEEV is present in three-year cycles ev ery fifteen-to-twenty years and resting boxes will be deployed in ar eas of concern during those years of anticipated EEEV activity.Landing rates counts: A landing rate count is exactly what it sound like. A field

technician counts the number of mosquitoes which land on an exposed arm for one or five minutes. The mosquitoes are collected in an aspirator for later species identification. This method is often used in response to a specific complaint and is useful in determining the source of the mosquito problem.

Species Identification: Live mosquitoes from fix location light traps, gravid traps and resting boxes are collected twice weekly from around May 1st. to October 1st. Mosquitoes are identified and samples sent to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health where they are tested for yhe presence of virus.

VECTOR MANAGEMENT PLAN

2008

Introduction: According to the U.S. Departm ent of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the in troduction of West Nile Virus (WNV) in

1999 to the northeast United States raised t he issue of preparedness of public health agencies to handle outbreaks of vector borne dis ease. CDC states "mosquito control is the most effective way to prevent transmi ssion of WN" and "t he most effective and economical way to control mosquitoes is by larval source reduction through locally funded abatement programs" ( Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report: January 21,2000).

Mosquito control districts or programs wh ile considered state agencies are unique as we are directly accountable to our me mber communities. As such, the needs and concerns of those communities drives oper ational policy and strategies. For several years now our program has been in transit ion from what once was considered a primarily nuisance mosquito control progr am, to a primarily public health based program. WNV is now endem ic to the northeast and since 2004 Eastern Equine Encephalitis has a presents her e as well. World wide mosquito borne virus is on the

increase. While the line between what might be considered nuisance control as opposed to what is public health mosquito contro l has always been at best obscure, it is

now nonexistent. Consider the World Health Organization (WHO) definition of health “a state of complete physical, mental and soci al well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. It is not a stretch to say that shear number s of mosquitoes that affect quality of life is not just a nuisance but in fact a health issue. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) section 2 (00) defines the term “vector” as “any organism capable of transmi tting the causative age nt of human disease or capable of producing human di scomfort or injury, including mosquitoes...” This make it clear that by defin ition all mosquitoes are potent ial vectors and all mosquito control activities are in the interest of public health.

The purpose of this VMP is to target specific responses to specific risk and direct our limited resources effectively and efficiently.Regional Adult Mosquito Surveillance: T he District will continue its surveillance of mosquito vectors based on protocols establ ished by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). The District’s Surv eillance Program will operate and maintain 31 CO2 baited New Jersey traps (NJ traps) acro ss the region at fixed locations. NJ traps are used to sample the general adul t mosquito population to determine dominant human biting mosquitoes and disease carryi ng species together with their population densities and because they are at the same location every year. Population trends can be compared during the year and between years. One NJ trap will be placed in each member municipality. Additi onal portable traps may be used as necessary, in response to areas with disturbing population trends and vi rus activity. The District will collect and identify samples from each trap twice a week.

The District will operate 32 gravid traps. Gravid traps are designed to collect recently blood fed adult female Culex mosquitoes and other container breeding species relevant to WNV transmission. One gravid trap will be placed in each member municipality in a

fixed location and additional portable gravid traps may be used as necessary in response to areas with virus activity. The District will collect and identify samples from each trap twice a week.

Last year The District operated 180 resting boxes in two tiers. The first being in communities of primary concern bordering New Hampshire. The second tier was deployed in buffer areas or communities bordering communities with previous EEE isolations. Resting boxes ar e designed to collecting blood fed female Culiseta melanura mosquitoes that are the pr inciple vectors of EEE virus and have demonstrated to be an

efficient and effective tool. While there we re EEE isolations in mosquitoes and human cases in southern New Hampshire there wa s no EEE activity detected in our service area last season. Typically EEE runs in cycles and it is apparent that EEE activity is diminishing. And while we can’t let our guar d down as EEE will rea ppear in the future

we are confident that EEE is in a downward trend.

In 2008 we will be operating between 60 and 80 rest ing boxes in one tier in the primary risk area immediately bordering NH. We will continue to do this for the foreseeable future in order to establish the pattern of EEE cycles in our service area and to serve as a early warning system. It is important to note that we can redeploy additional resting boxes in short order if necessary.

Six to eight resting boxes will be placed at each fixed location and there will be two locations in each of the municipality border ing NH with the exception of Salisbury, which will have just one location. The District will collect and identify samples from each box

twice a week.

The District will initiate a pilot program of deploying a new type of trap called the “BG Sentinel trap”. These traps have shown to be more effective in attracting Aëdes albopictus, commonly called the Asian Tiger Mosquito. Last season, District personnel collected specimens believed to be Aë. albopictus but, because of the generally poorcondition of the specimens, the identifications could not be confirmed. Aë. albopictus is a principal vector of Chikungunya, which is a virus causing severe headache, chills, nausea, vomiting, and extremely persistent and pai nful arthritic joints which may persist

for weeks to months.

There is currently a Chikungunya pandemic in countries along the Indian ocean basin (and with nearly 2 million people infected). An Chikunguny a epidemic broke out in northern Italy this past last summer (with ov er 200 cases); the Italian epidemic is the

first known outbreak of this virus outsi de the tropics. Six traps will be deployed throughout the District, two in the north, two central and two south, in an effort to confirm the presence and distribution of Aë. albopictus if any.

Emergent Exotic and Recent Immigrant Mo squito Species: Also through our Surveillance Program, we will be on guard for the appearance of new mosquito species. Within the past five years, we have seen the appearance and rapid spread of an exotic species, Ochlerotatus japonicus, the "J apanese Rock Pool Mosquito", throughout our District. While this species is a competent dis ease vector in other areas, there is little to suggest it is currently a diseas e vector in the Northeast.

Another competent disease vector, the "Asi an Tiger Mosquito", Ae. albopictus, first found in Houston in 1985, has spread rapidl y throughout the temper ate regions of the U.S., including southeastern Massachuse tts. Although this species has yet to be collected in our district, its arrival is i mminent and its potential as a disease causing agent should not be underestimated. Las t season District personnel collected specimens believed to be Ae. albopictus and as previously addressed in the surveillance section of this VMP a pilot progr am to confirm the presence and distribution of albopictus will begin this summer.

Therefore, the possibility of additional mosquito species establishing in our area, some even more effective at transmitting virus and other disease causing agents can not be dismissed. Thus, our Surveillance Program will aggressively monitor mosquitoes we collect, not only to measure unusually high populations, but also to detect any new species.

Virus Testing: Specimens from our trap collections will be sent weekly to Department of

Public Health to be tested fo r the presence of encephalitis viruses. The District has enter into a cooperative agreement with DPH to increase the number of pools tested.

Emergent Virus: Since its introduction in New York City in 1999, WNV has spread through out the country and is now endemic in the Northeast. Prior to 2004 there were no serious concern about EEEV in the Essex County. This has changed with multiple EEEV isolations in mosquitoes in recent y ears. World-wide the threat of mosquitoborne disease is on the rise and the possible introduction of other exotic vector borne disease must be seriously considered.Through our affiliations and associations with the scientific and mosquito control community world-wide we will monitor this potential on behalf of our member municipalities. Potential the next mo squito bourn virus of concern is Chikungunya. While Chikungun ya is rarely fatal it has the potential to infect large numbers of people. In 2005 and 2006 it sick ened almost one third of the 800,000. inhabitants of La Reunion, a French island in the Indian Ocean (Science 24 February 06 p.1085). Last Summer 200 people in Italy were in fected, this is the first known example of Chikungunya transmitted outside the tropics. According to Dr. Randy Gaugler, Center for Vector Biology, Ru tgers University it is likel y we will have out breaks of Chikungunya within the next five years Th rough our affiliations and associations with the scientific and mosquito control community world-wide we will monitor this potential on behalf of our member municipalities. Necessary and appropriate vector/virus

intervention measures will continue to be developed and implemented.

West Nile Virus

Introduction: While it was previously t hough that neurological di sorders associated with West Nile Virus (WNV) were short-lived and only affected a small percentage of those infected, recent studies suggest that neurol ogical disorders may be more prolonged,

serious and effect more vi ctims then original thought.

Culex species are primarily responsible for the amplific ation of virus in birds and probably are vectors to humans in endemic areas . Cx pipiens breed in highly organic or polluted water that collect in artificial cont ainers such as catch basins and storm water structures including detenti on and retention ponds, as well as discarded tires, gutters, bird baths, etc. The preempt ive strategy of treating catc h basins has been effective at reducing the population of vector species.

Surveillance data shows an 80% reduction in Culex species in communities where basins are treated as compared to communities with untreated basins. And, contrary to what one would think, drought does not deter breeding of Cx pipiens but instead may enhance it! Wetlands areas dry back and pools become more concentrated with organic debris, providing Culex with add itional breeding hab itat. Also during droughts, catch

basins continue to accumulate water from ca r washing, lawn watering and concentrated sheet flow from minor rainfall events, etc. Targeting Culex in basins will reduce adult Culex populations, hence bird -to-bird virus transmission and therefore, reduce risk to humans. Although Culex salinarus may be present in catch basins, this is probably not its preferred breeding habitat. If time and ci rcumstance allows the District may evaluate

the extent of Cx salinarus breeding in catch basins.

Waste Water Treatment Facilities Inspection: As a preemptive strategy the District will request to inspect all waste water treatment fa cilities in an effort to reduce or eliminate Culex breeding or potential breeding in these fa cilities. While the District is authorized under the provisions of chapter 252 sect ion 4 of the General Laws of The Commonwealth to enter upon lands for the purpose of inspections, we are not a regulatory agency. Nor is it our intention to cause any imposition to the management ofwaste water facilities, but rather to be a resource for information and technology to assist waste water facilities managers in preventing and or abating mosquito breeding

to the mutual benefit of the facility, the community and mosquito control.

Catch basin treatment in 2008 will be prioritized as follows: As previously stated WNV

is now endemic to the northeast and it has become clear (see attached map) that the epee center for our area is the urban coasta l communities of Winthrop, Revere, Lynn, Nahant, Saugus, Swampscott, Marblehead and Salem. Second in order of priority will be Beverly which had positive birds late in the season last year.

Selective Ground Adulticiding: As a preem ptive measure the District may recommend selective and targeted adulticiding applicatio ns to reduce Culex populations when WNV isolations in mosquitoes are discover ed. The District may recommend a target application based on the following criteria; two or more WNV is olations in mosquitoes in close proximity; one or more human cases of WNV.

Barrier Treatment: The District uses a system called Ultra Low Volume (ULV) for ground adulticiding app lications. ULV is designed to dispense very small amounts of pesticides over a large area. While this is a cost effective means of reducing mosquito populations on a large scale, it only affects thos e mosquitoes present at the time of the application and repeated appl ications are sometimes necessary to sustain the initial reduction in the mosquito population in some areas. To reduce the need for repeated applications and provide more sustained reli ef from mosquitoes in high public use areas, the District may recomme nd a barrier spray treatment to public use areas such as schools (applications to schools must be incompliance with MGL ch85), playgrounds, athletic fields, etc. A barrier spray may r educe mosquitoes for two or more weeks. The District strongly recommends member munici palities take advantage of this service.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus

Introduction: From what we have learned over the past three years it is apparent that

EEEV emanates from t he Southern New Hampshire area, in particular Exeter, Kingston and Newton. There has been EEEV activity in these towns from t he beginning of the current cycle in 2004 to the present (s ee attached map). It appears that EEEV “migrates”

South from this focus area to t he Northeast Massachusetts area.

While there were EEEV isolations in mos quitoes and human cases in NH in 2007 there was no EEEV activity in our service area we did recommend and conduct adulticiding application in Amesbury, Me rrimac and Haverhill as a preemptive measure due to spikes in mosquito vector populations. We do not anticipate any EEEV activity in our service area in 2008 but are prepared for any contingence.

Habitat Surveillance: Through the winter m onths the District will continue to locate, identify and enter into our data base potential Culiseta melanura habitat in communitiesbordering New Hampshire, s pecifically Amesbury, Merrimac Methuen and Haverhill.

Also in the communities of Boxford and Hamilton.

Selective Ground Adulticiding: As a preempt ive measure the District may recommend selective and targeted adulticiding applications to reduce Culiseta melanura populations in an effort to break the virus cycle in bird-t o-bird transmission phase. Often by the time EEE appears in horses and humans other mos quito species, the so called “bridge vectors” are targeted for adulticiding; but it is late in the season when intervention efforts

are made and are limited at bes t and often nonexistent. The District will recommend a targeted adulticide application based on the fo llowing criteria: A bove average Culista melanura populations in a y ear of anticipated EEE activi ty; One or more EEE virus isolations in mosquitoes. One or more EEE vi rus isolations in horses; One or more

human EEE cases.

Barrier Treatment: The District uses a system called Ultra Low Volume (ULV) for ground adulticiding app lications. ULV is designed to dispense very small amounts of pesticides over a large area. While this is a cost effective means of reducing mosquito populations on a large scale, it only affects thos e mosquitoes present at the time of the application and repeated appl ications are sometimes necessary to sustain the initial reduction in the mosquito population in some areas. To reduce the need for repeated applications and provide more sustained reli ef from mosquitoes in high public use areas, the District may recomme nd a barrier spray treatment to public use areas such as schools (applications to schools must be incompliance with MGL ch85), playgrounds, athletic fields, etc. A barri er spray may reduce mosquitoes for two or more weeks. The District strongly recommends member munici palities take advantage of this service.

Emergency Response Aerial Adulticiding Plan (E RAAP): In the event that the risk level escalates to a point were it is deemed that ground adulticiding is insufficient to reduce that risk an emergency aerial adulticiding a pplication may be warranted. This would require a consensus of the District, the Stat e Reclamation and Mosqui to Control Board, the Massachusetts Department of Heal th, an independent advisory board and a

declaration of a Public Health Emergency from the Governor.

Typically, once the decision is made to do an aerial application the need is immediate and window of opportunity is shor t. It is imperative that the complex logistics of executing the application are in place, hence the ERAAP. ER AAP consist of continually revised Global Positioning Satellite G PS mapping program, which can be downloaded into aircraft navigation systems to direct aircraft as to wher e to spray. Memorandums of Understandings with designated airports have been formalized to insure operational staging areas and ground support facilities ar e available and ready. Contracts with aerial applicators and insect icide suppliers are in place for rapid delivery and deployment. With all these factors all ready addressed and accounted for, aerial applications can commence very soon after the Public Health Emergency is declared.

Please check off the species of concern in your service area:Ae. albopictus

Ae. cinereus

Ae. vexans An. punctipennis An. quadrimaculatus Cq. perturbans Cx. pipiens

Cx. restuans

Cx. salinarius

Cs. melanura

Cs. morsitans

Oc. abserratus

Oc. canadensis Oc. cantator

Oc. excrucians

Oc. fitchii Oc. j. japonicus Oc. punctor

Oc. sollicitans

Oc. stimulans Oc. taeniorhynchus

Oc. triseriatus

Oc. trivittatus

Ps. ferox Ur. sapphirina

Other (please list):

Do you participate in the MDPH Ar boviral Surveillance program? Yes

How many pools do you submit weekly on average? 65 (twelve weeks of submissions

Please check off the arboviruses found in your area in the past 5 years:

West Nile Virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis

Other Please list:

Did the above listed diseases ca use human or horse illnesses? No

Please explain:

At what arbovirus risk level did the year begi n in your area? (If more than one please list)

WNV: At the beginning of the season, the WNV risk category for the entire District

was "LOW". EEE: At the beginning of the season, the risk category for EEE was "REMOTE" with the exceptions of HAVERHILL & MERRI MAC whose risk level was raised to "LOW" due to these communities's proximity to EEEV-infected areas of southeast

NH

At what arbovirus risk level did the year end in your area? (If more than one please list)WNV: At year's end, the risk category was raised to "MODERATE" excep t for the

following municipaliti es in which the risk was raised to "HIGH" : DANVERS, PEABODY,

LYNNFIELD, LYNN, SAUGUS, NAHANT, REVERE, & WINTHROP.

EEE: The risk category remained "REMOT E" for all District communitie s with the

exception of HAVERHI LL and MERRIMAC where the risk remained at "LOW".

What time frame during the year is this method employed? May - October

Comments:

*Please attach a link to maps of surveillance areas if possible. N/A

EDUCATION, OUTREACH & PUBLIC RELATIONS

Do you have an education/public outreach program program? Yes

If yes, please describe: POLICY AND PROCEDURE FOR EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

General: The District will promot e and provide educational out reach on mosquito

control and related environmental science to schools, civic org anization and public

officials.

Website: The District will main tain a Website (www.northeastma ssmosquito.com)

which will provide general information on mosquito and virus bi ology and about

operational strategi es and procedures.

Other Media: The District has va rious DVD’s available which wi ll be provided to

schools, civic groups, public-access television, etc. at their request. Our entomologist

has been interviewed on local ra dio describing prevention and p rotection strategies.

Outreach Programs: During the off season the Districts Entomol ogist and /or Biologist

will present educational programs tailored to the specific need s of schools, civic

organization and public officials.

Please check off all that apply:School based program

Website

PR brochures/handouts Community events

Science fairs Meeting presentations Other (please describe): Distr ict Bullitins sent when necessa ry to Boards of Health District towns sent electronically (e-mail).

Please give an estimate of attendance/participants in this program: 3-25 (and Public

Access audiences)

Please list some events you participated in for the year of this report: Salisbury Health Fair, Rowley Board of Health ( public health issues ), Annual local Boards of Health presentation.

What time frame during the year is this method employed? All year long.

Have you performed any research projec ts, efficacy, bottle assays, etc.? Yes

If yes, please elaborate on your research projects: Green Head trap design and placement, Larval efficacy assesment pr ogram, OMWM efficacy assesment, Fresh water ditch maintenance BMP protocols, Tria l assesment of BGS tr aps for the collection of Ae. albopictus.

Are you involved in any collaborations wit h academia, industry, environmental groups,

etc.? Yes

If yes, please elaborate on your collaboratio ns this past year: Salt Marsh Ditch Remidiation Workshop, Errosion and Sedimentat ion Control, Stream Band Stabilization and Stream Restoration Workshop, River Morphology Workshop. Spring Ephemerals Workshop, Merrimac River Watershed Council; MAPP program trai ning, Stream team and shoreline, Wildlife Habitat Surveys, Child Protection Act coordination with district

schools.

Please provide a list of technical reports, wh ite/grey papers, publication in journal or trade magazines, etc. OMWM efficacy assesment

Does your staff participate in educational opportunities? Yes

If yes, please list the training and education your staff received this year: NMCA Annual Conference, Clarke Mosquito Control annua l seminar, NHESP training, AMCA, NJMCA, SMDR workshop PRWR,Erosion and Sedimentati on Control, Stream Bank Stabilizationand Stream Restoration, Riv er Morphology, Spring Epheme rals workshop, Merrimac River Watershed Council Map Program and Str eam Team, Wildlife Habitat Surveys.

Please list the certifications and degrees hel d by your staff: Doctoricate, BS, AS

Comments:

BIOLOGICAL CONTROL EFFORTS

Do you have a biological control program? Yes

If yes, please describe: OMWM, Ditch Maintenance, Sal t Marsh Ditch Maintenance

Is this program the introduction of mosquito predators or the enhance ment of habitat for native predators? Enhancement of habitat for native predators

Please check off all that apply:

Predatory fish Predatory invertebrates Other (please describe):

What time frame during the year is this method employed? All year, according to site specifics.

Comments:

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Does your program use (check all that apply):

Computers GIS mapping GPS equipment Computer databases Aerial Photography Other (please describe):

Please describe your capabilities in these areas: Beginner

Please describe your current GIS abilities: BeginnerGive details if possible on your GIS abilitie s: our employees are currently expanding and developing capabilities

Please describe any changes/enhancements in th is area from the previous year: More familiar with programs and capabilities.

Comments:

REVENUES & EXPENDITURES

Please give a concise statement of revenues & expenditures for the prior fiscal year ending June 30.

FY08 Budget and Spending Plan July1, 2007 - June 30, 2008 Approved 06/14/07 Proposed Budget $1,496,525. 00 (level funded + Topsfield)

Account 2520/1500 Line Item B udget Spending Plan

AA - Payroll 51% $750,000.00

BB - Travel 0% $0.00

CC - Commissioners 0.2% $2,500.00

DD - Retire/Ins/Fringe 18% $271,173.00 Retirement project ed 5% /07 Group Ins 22.23% of payroll Fringe benefits 1.34% of payroll

EE - Office & Admin 2. 6% $41,520.00

FF - Maintenance/Repair 3.2% $70,000.00

FF - Pesticides 5.3% $89,000.00

GG - Operations 3.2% $48,000.00

II - Litigation 0%

JJ - Aerial Contractors 8.2% $129,400.00

KK - Capital Equipm ent 3.7% $31,552.00

LL - Lease/Purchase 4.4% $63,051.89Total Spending $1,496,276.89 Budget $1,496,525.00 Surplus $248.11

Comments:

PESTICIDE USAGE

Please total your pesticide usage with information from your Mass. Pesticide Use Report, WNV Larvicide Use records and contract ed pesticide applications. Applications methods include; hand/backpack, aerial, UL V, mistblower, other (please explain)

Product Name: Altosid WSP EPA Reg. #: 2724-448 Application method: hand Targeted life stage: Larvae Total amount of concentrate applied: 675 lbs

Comments:

Product Name: Vectolex WSP EPA Reg. #: 73049-20 Application method: hand Targeted life stage: Larvae Total amount of concentrate applied: 11 lbs

Comments:

Product Name: Vectobac G EPA Reg. #: 73049-10 Application method: hand Targeted life stage: Larvae Total amount of concentrate applied: 790 lbs

Comments:

Product Name: Teknar G EPA Reg. #: 70051-73 Application method: hand Targeted life stage: Larvae Total amount of concentrate applied: 68 lbs

Comments:

Product Name: Anvil 10 + 10 EPA Reg. #: 1021-1688-8329 Application method: ULV Targeted life stage: Adult Total amount of concentrate applied: 77 galComments:

Product Name: Suspend SC EPA Reg. #: 432-763 Application method: ULV Barrier (retro fit) Targeted life stage: Adult Total amount of concentrate applied: 2 gal

Comments:

Product Name: Vectobac 12 AS EPA Reg. #: 73049-38 Application method: Aerial Targeted life stage: Larvae Total amount of concentrate applied: 2645 gal

Comments:

Product Name: Altosid Pellets EPA Reg. #: 2724-448 Application method: hand Targeted life stage: Larvae Total amount of concentrate applied: 374 lbs

Comments:

Product Name: 5% Skeeter Abate EPA Reg. #: 8329-15 Application method: hand Targeted life stage: Larvae

Total amount of concen trate applied: 50.25 oz

Comments:

LARGE AREA EXCLUSIONS

Do you have large areas of pesticide exclusi on, such as estimated or priority habitats?

No

If yes, please explain, and attach maps or a weblink if possible.

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Do you perform any inspectional services such as inspections at sewage treatment facilities or review sub division plans? Yes

If yes, please elaborate INSPECTIONAL SERVICESThe old saying an ounce of prevention is wort h a pound of cure is very true in mosquito control. Early intervention or preemptiv e action to prevent a potential mosquito breeding site from becoming an actual mos quito breeding site is as much a control strategy as an application or treatment to an actual breeding site and often an existing mosquito breeding problem can be easily corre cted. While the Dis trict is authorized under the provisions of chapter 252: sect ion 4 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth to enter upon lands for the pur pose of inspection it is not a regulatory agency. Nor is it our intenti on to cause any imposition on any citizen or business, but

rather to be a resource for information and technology to help property owners prevent or abate mosquitoes to the mu tual benefit of t he property owner, the community and mosquito control.

The District acts as a technical advisor as requested by the Board of Health and represent the municipalitie s public and animal health and human annoy ance concerns relative to mosquito breeding, potentia l breeding and proposed development. The District, at the request of the board of health will also review site plans and inspect sites were storm water structures are planned or in the process of constructed. Upon inspection of a site the District will ma ke written recommendations, submit these

recommendations to the board of health and cc the land owner.

The primary vector species of West Nile Virus, Culex pipiens usually breeds in artificial containers such as, catch basins, storm water st ructures, etc. In pa rticular this species seems to thrive where others fail, due to thei r ability to survive in highly organic and polluted water These conditions are often a ssociated with industrial or office parks, commercial or agricultural livestock facilities. Because of the potential for Culex species mosquito breeding, the primar y vector of West Nile Viru s in and around industrial or offices park, agricultural and livestock facilitie s the District will routinely inspect such

areas.

Do you work with DPW depar tments or other local or state officials to address stormwater systems, clogged culv erts or other areas that you have ident ified as manmade mosquito problem areas? Yes

If yes, please elaborate: In compliance wit h the districts Ditch Maintenance Policy - Pettitioned by the town (BOH)

Have you worked with these departments on long term solutions? Yes

If yes, please elaborate: In compliance wit h the districts Ditch Maintenance Policy - Pettitioned by the town (BOH)

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES PROTECTION ACT

Is your program impacted by the Child ren and Families Protection Act? YesIf yes, please explain: In some cases, we are not able to address mosquito control in a timely and complete manner due to protocols and compli ance. Children and Families Protection Act poses added financia l and man-power burdens.

If you have data on compliance with this Act and your program, please list here: We send a notice to schools and school systems each year addressing compliance issues and updates, as well as assist in any way we can to help them comply.

If you had difficulties with implementation of your program due to this law, please

elaborate here: Due to increased health risks with mosquitos, it puts more of a demand on Mosquito Control Agencies in both m an-power and cost. Complying with School property issues is a constant challenge.

Comments:

GENERAL COMMENTS

Please list any comments not covered in this report: