Eurasian milfoil
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is seeking coverage through Washington Department of Ecology permits to use aquatic herbicides to systemically control certain aquatic weeds. The goal is to improve water quality by managing both the invasive water lilies and milfoil at City’s freshwater beaches, swim areas, moorages and high use recreation sites. This is part of SPR’s integrated weed management plan for Eurasian milfoil and other regulated aquatic weeds.
Permitted use of an aquatic herbicide is endorsed by Washington Department of Ecology as a systemic solution to control specific aquatic weeds that impact recreation and water quality. The permit will cover the City owned properties on Lake Washington, Bitter Lake and Ship Canals –Lake Union.
Fragrant white water lilies
Bellevue, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Medina and Renton have current permits from Ecology. The permit allows the discharge of a specific list of herbicides provided permit conditions are met, however, the herbicides currently anticipated for use are: Glyphosate, Imazamox, Imazapyr and Triclopyr TEA.
More information about the permit http://www.ecy.wa.gov/PROgrams/wq/pesticides/index.html
Questions and comments during the permit process should be addressed to the Department of Ecology, Water Quality Program, Attention: Aquatic Pesticide Permit Manager, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600 or Nathan.lubliner@ecy.wa.gov.