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  • 1.  Mosquitoes in underground infiltration chambers

    Posted 08-10-2021 04:29 PM
    I received an inquiry pertaining to the potential for nuisance due to mosquitoes proliferating in underground storage tanks / chambers, specifically those used for infiltration into the subsoils. Does anyone have any information to what extent this is indeed an issue, and what others may have done to tackle this?

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    Bert Van Duin P.Eng, M.ASCE
    Senior Development Engineer
    City of Calgary Water Resources
    Calgary AB
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  • 2.  RE: Mosquitoes in underground infiltration chambers

    Posted 08-11-2021 12:03 PM
    For infiltration systems, I think the main thing is make sure it dewaters/drains before mosquitos can propagate. Here's a response we recently included for an FAQ (https://www.mbrisingabove.com/wp-content/uploads/BGI-QA.pdf):

    If properly designed, constructed, and maintained, BGSI should not promote mosquito breeding. BGSI
    systems that are not intended to have prolonged ponding should typically empty within 3 days
    (mosquitoes require standing water to be present for greater than 7 days to grow) and should be checked
    frequently to ensure they are emptying as expected. BSGI that holds water for prolonged periods (for
    example, wet ponds, wetlands, and cisterns) must use other methods to prevent mosquito growth, such
    as screening, establishing a natural predator population, and/or appropriate mosquito specific larvicides.

    It should be noted that mosquitos are present in Miami Beach regardless of BGSI and people should take
    appropriate precautions to prevent getting bitten (for information from Miami-Dade County, see
    www8.miamidade.gov/global/solidwaste/mosquito/home.page).

    Andy Potts
    Jacobs

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    Andrew Potts P.E., M.ASCE
    Water Resources Principal Technologist
    Jacobs
    Philadelphia PA
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