County expands spraying of moths

By Jennifer Learn-Andes jandes@timesleader.comLuzerne County Reporter

Luzerne County Commissioners are considering expanded gypsy moth spraying next year, and interested property owners must apply by Aug. 31.

The county had been required to choose spraying sections over 23 acres in the past because it paid the state to do the work. The county plans to seek proposals from private contractors for next year’s spraying, which will allow smaller plots to be included.

Applications will be available at www.luzernecounty.org (under the latest news heading) or at numerous municipal buildings starting Aug. 11.

The county can’t guarantee that all applicants will be accepted.

“This application only allows your property to be evaluated by county staff to determine if it meets established criteria for inclusion in the program,” stated a county release issued Thursday.

Property owners will be contacted if their property meets the requirements, said county Recreation Director Andy Gegaris.

The spraying cost for property owners has not yet been determined.

The county charged $41 per parcel this year, but the spraying was completed regardless of whether the fee was paid. County officials say they will require payment to receive the spraying next year.

For more information on the spraying, contact the county’s environmental special projects department at 331-7052.

Applications will be available at the following municipal buildings: Bear Creek, Black Creek, Butler, Dennison, Dorrance, Fairview, Foster, Hanover, Hazle, Jenkins, Kingston, Nescopeck, Newport, Plains and Sugarloaf townships; and Conyngham, Laurel Run, West Hazleton and White Haven boroughs.

The county chose these areas because spraying has been done there in the past, but property owners in any municipality are permitted to apply, Gegaris said.

Jennifer Learn-Andes, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7333.