Chemical treatment of nuisance vegetation (weeds) and algae is among the most effective and widely used management strategies. Chemical treatment with herbicides or algicides is applicable and affordable for small, private ponds of 1 acre or less as well as for larger ponds, lakes and reservoir systems.

Herbicides are especially well suited for “selective thinning” or reducing an over-abundance of native plant species.For new and established infestations of non-native exotic species (i.e., Eurasian milfoil, curly leaf pondweed, fanwort, etc.); prompt treatment with herbicides is the management approach recommended by the majority of knowledgeable professionals.

Herbicides applied by Aquatic Control are USEPA/ State registered. Chemical selection and dose are determined for each specific pond or lake following a Biological Survey of the waterbody to gather important information on: water depth,area to be treated, target plants, fish/wildlife of concern as well as the existing and desired water uses.

After developing the plan of treatment and obtaining the required permits, treatment is performed - usually in the late spring or summer. Aquatic Control’s specially designed spray craft –including our Panther airboat – and chemical injection systems, ensure even distribution and effective control of targeted species and areas. Follow-up inspections are routinely performed to assess treatment effectiveness and guide continuing pond or lake management efforts.

For chronic algae blooms or highly colored water, treatment with alum (aluminum sulfate) can be an appropriate and very effective management strategy. In addition to the many larger lakes treated by Aquatic Control to precipitate/inactivate phosphorus, we have found that the treatment of small ponds with alum also provides improvements in water clarity and reduction of algae “scum”. For waterbodies with low ph, we also commonly apply a buffer compound along with the alum. Aquatic Control has the most northeast alum treatment experience on both large and small waterbodies.

Aquatic Control has completed a number of surface and hypolimnetic (bottom) alum treatments. These include Lake Morey (VT), Kezar lake (NH) and Cochnewagon Lake (ME) - three of the nation's largest and to date, most successful alum restoration projects.

Advantages of Chemical Treatments:

• Plant species and treatment area selectivity is high
• Lower cost than other techniques
• Effective results are guaranteed
• Plant control typically 1-2 years
• Affordable for very small ponds and larger waterbodies
• No disturbance to bottom sediments or shoreline property

Representative Projects

• Cochnewagon Lake - Monmouth, Maine
• Lake Morey - Fairlee, Vermont
• Kezar Lake - North Sutton, New Hampshire
• Lake Saltonstall Reservoir - East Haven, Connecticut
• Fells Reservoir - Stoneham, Massachusetts
• Lake Pocotopaug - East Hampton, CT
• Ashumet Pond - Mashpee/Falmouth, Massachusetts
• Spy Pond – Arlington, Massachusetts
• Morses Pond - Wellesley, Massachusetts
• Martins Pond - North Reading, Massachusetts
• Sluice Pond - Lynn, Massachusetts