Chemical treatment of nuisance vegetation (weeds) and algae is among the most
effective and widely used management strategies. Chemical treatment with herbicides
or algaecides 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
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