Base fights new kind of terror

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Russell Pollock
  • 319th Civil Engineer Squadron
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The base pest management shop is preparing for an aerial mosquito spray mission from May 14 to 18. The mission will be conducted by the 757th Airlift Squadron from Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio.

According to 319th Civil Engineer Squadron officials, the purpose of the aerial spray mission is to reduce the threat of West Nile Virus and reduce the number of mosquito-induced irritations and infections associated with mosquito bites. The spray team uses C-130 Hercules aircraft and a $2 million spray system to combat the mosquitoes.

Spraying will start Tuesday morning and will conclude Friday. In the event of inclement weather or high winds, spraying will be postponed until the next day. Spraying may occur anytime during the day.

An environmental assessment was accomplished and a finding of "no significant impact" was determined. The spray is not harmful to humans, animals or crops. Also, the spray will not affect parklands, wetlands, farmlands, or wild and scenic areas.

For more information, call 319 CES pest management at 747-4289.