ITHACA, NY (WHCU) – The DEC is set to begin scheduled lampricide in tributaries to nearby Seneca Lake this week.

Application of the TFM pesticide will begin tomorrow in Catherine Creek, which runs in both Schuyler and Chemung Counties. It will be released downstream of Stafford Road. Another application will be released Thursday in Yates County, downstream of Cascade Mills in the Keuka Lake Outlet.

The New York State Department of Health recommends not using river water for drinking, household purposes, fishing, swimming, irrigation, or watering livestock for 1-2 days as a precaution.

Lake water should not be used for watering livestock or for household drinking for 1-3 days. It may be used for other household purposes.

Treatment areas will be posted with signs, and the signs will be removed when the advisories are lifted.

The pesticide is applied every 3-4 years to prevent sea lamprey from reaching maturity. Adult lamprey are parasitic predators of multiple fish species including Atlantic salmon, and lake trout. The DEC says controlling the sea lamprey population helps support healthier fish species in the lake and its tributaries.

Experts say the pesticide has been used in Seneca Lake tributaries since 1982 and does not have a significant impact on the environment or non-target organisms, however, minor fish and aquatic invertebrate deaths may occur and be visible.

Any questions should be directed to the DEC’s Avon Headquarters at (585)-226-5344.