Aquatic Herbicides Cause Tension in Greely

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:43:49 +0000

Several residents of Lakeland Estates in Greely are upset over the continual use of algaecides and herbicides being used to treat the aquatic vegetation on these private man-made lakes. Homeowner Chris Leblanc believes it is an irresponsible way to manage the lakes, and that pesticide use is not meant to be a long-term management plan.

The Canada Ministry of Environment continues to issue permits for the association to apply the herbicides although ministry official Ruth Orwin said the ministry “continues to encourage LELA to explore non-pesticide options to reduce the weed growth in their ponds,” but ultimately the ministry will not rule on the issue. “As this is private property, it is a matter between LELA and its members to effect a long term change in the management of the ponds. This decision lies with the lot owners, not with the ministry.”

LELA first applied herbicides on the lakes in July, 2008; six weeks later the larger water body experienced a massive and toxic blue-green algae bloom and Ottawa Public Health warned residents to not use the lake. The toxic bloom returned the following spring and that began the application of algaecide (copper sulphate) in April and June; and herbicides (diquat) in June. The treatment costs the association about $20,000 each season and according to biologist Fred Schueler, “when all the nutrients go into the water you get and algae bloom, this has been a textbook demonstration of how these plants work in water bodies.”

Chemical Treatment Kills Thousands of Fish in Hartwell Lake

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 22:03:41 +0000

About 5,000 fish have died because of algaecides applied to Hartwell Lake in an effort to improve the region’s drinking water. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the state’s public-health agency are investigating the fish kill, which affects the area around the Anderson Joint Regional Water System’s intake on the lake.

160 acres of the lake was treated with algaecides to try to improve the taste and smell of customers’ drinking water. The Copper and hydrogen peroxide based algaecide was applied in granular form and in concentrations low enough not to harm fish or people.

The algaecide was applied in accordance with regulations approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Officials believe it “is likely a one-time event” and that the water is “safe for human and wildlife exposure.” Although, a spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers were not surprised by the fish kill. “Small Fish are susceptible to dying when they come in contact with algaecides.”

algaecides – Aquarius-Systems

Aquatic Herbicides Cause Tension in Greely

Chemical Treatment Kills Thousands of Fish in Hartwell Lake