Stockton Struggles with Water Hyacinth Despite Treatments

Mon, 18 Dec 2023 17:46:53 +0000

In Stockton, California managers have been trying to keep the water hyacinth that washes in from the Delta under control with herbicide treatments. Unfortunately even after 15 applications, the hyacinth has extended beyond the level of control.

Port officials say a state spraying program failed to control the hyacinth, so they contracted with a Bay Area company to mechanically remove it; removing over 375,000 pounds of the invasive water hyacinth

The infestation has prevented yacht groups from visiting downtown Stockton events and according to Stockton Alliance Director Leandro Vicuna, the problem is hurting local businesses.

Water Hyacinth Could Power Energy Projects in California

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 20:21:29 +0000

Water hyacinth has been the scourge of the Delta in recent years, but by this summer it could be providing the power to city lights. A pilot project is in the works to harvest it for biogas.

Port of Stockton Environmental Manager Jeff Wingfield says the port is proposing a pilot project to harvest the hyacinth and convert it into methane to power a cogeneration plant.

Wingfield says the port already harvests 2,500 tons a year which is hauled off for composting.

He says, “If we can improve that with new operation of the landsite excavator, I’m hoping to improve that by about ten times at a cheaper cost.”

Wingfield says the port is seeking a $300,000 grant from the Delta Conservancy for the pilot project.

Paul Koehler with Pacific Ethanol says its Stockton plant could eventually turn the invasive weed into electricity.

Stockton California – Aquarius-Systems

Stockton Struggles with Water Hyacinth Despite Treatments

Water Hyacinth Could Power Energy Projects in California