State To Use Chemical In Delta To Combat Invasive Weed
BETHEL ISLAND, Calif. (AP) -- State officials are set to combat an invasive weed that has been choking waterways around Bethel Island and Discovery Bay in Contra Costa County.
The California Department of Boating and Waterways is expected to begin applying a chemical next month that is designed to kill the South American plant known as egeria densa.
Officials say swimmers and boat propellers are getting caught in the plant, which was likely introduced into the Delta 40 years ago when someone emptied out a home aquarium.
A Contra Costa County report estimates egeria densa now covers 12 percent of the Delta.
Department of Boating and Waterways spokeswoman Gloria Sandoval tells the Contra Costa Times that the chemical that will be applied, fluridone, is not known to affect animals or people.
