Weed Control Spraying on Flood Control System

CONTACT:

Arielle Swift 
Assistant Public Works Director
aswift@cityofdubuque.org
www.cityofdubuque.org/publicworks
563-589-4250

August 8, 2022 - For Immediate Release

DUBUQUE, Iowa – As weather permits starting Tuesday, August 9, the City of Dubuque Public Works Department will spray weed control in the clean stone areas in various locations of riprap on the river side of Dubuque’s flood control system (U.S. Senator John C. Culver Floodwall) and the Hawthorne detention basin.  

Spraying is expected to continue until all riprap along the flood control system is treated with an estimated conclusion date of Friday, August 12. This is an estimated timeframe subject to change due to weather conditions. 

The work is being done in accordance to the United States Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Technical Letter (110-2-583), which requires the removal of unacceptable growth within the “Vegetation-Free Zone.”  The requirement applies to all vegetation except grass along the flood control system. Signs along the flood control system will identify the area being sprayed. The public works department cautions people to keep their children and pets out of direct contact with the sprayed weeds for 24 hours after application. 

The U.S. Senator John C. Culver Floodwall is inspected twice annually by the City's public works department, which oversees floodwall operations; and once every five years by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the City's public works department. The City performs required maintenance on the floodwall every year, including repair of riprap sections, removal of vegetation, and repair of damage caused by rodent burrows.

For additional information, contact the City of Dubuque Public Works Department at 563-589-4250.