JOHNSTOWN – The Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District will use hydroseeding to reduce the amount of sediment entering bodies of water in the county this spring.
John Persch, district field manager of the Fulton County Soil and Water Conservation District, recently said the department previously received grant funds that will be used to purchase a hydroseeder.
In December, Fulton County received another grant for $31,500 from the state Department of Environmental Conservation Water Quality Improvement Project Program
Hydroseeding is done to help avoid land erosion. There are state, federal and local law regulations regarding land erosion, Fulton County Landfill Director Clifford Engle said.
When silt erodes and gets into streams, hydroseeding helps the grass grow quicker. Minimizing the water run off helps for stabilization. An accumulation of silt can impact aquatic health, recreational activities and boat traffic, Engle said.
The liquid seed, mulch and fertilizer is sprayed and increases the chances of germination at a greater rate, Persch explained.
Once the machine is delivered in the spring, it will be advertised to other towns in the county by demonstration. Persch said the machine will be stored at the conservation district’s office, 113 Hales Mills Road.
Municipalities can call and request to have areas hydroseeded. A employee from the conservation district will operate the machine. The machine will be available to anyone in the county, he said.
The department will offer it at a low cost and rate, dependent on how much land needs to be hydroseeded. Municipalities would be charged state machinery rates, towing and labor for usage.
“You need to watch this in action. It’s a lot more beneficial for the environment,” Persch said.
