How long should areas with vegetation be saturated with water during decontamination?

The recommended duration for saturating areas with vegetation during decontamination is 2 minutes. This time frame strikes a balance between effectively ensuring that the decontamination process is thorough enough to reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species while still being mindful of the health and safety of the surrounding environment.

Saturating these areas for 2 minutes allows sufficient time for any unwanted contaminants or invasive species to be dealt with without risking damage to the vegetation itself or adversely affecting the ecosystem. Extended saturation, such as options suggesting longer durations, could lead to excessive moisture retention that may harm plant life. Conversely, a shorter period might not provide adequate exposure for effective decontamination. This approach is part of maintaining best practices in managing waterways and ecological health in Wyoming.