The Harrisons Bay Association employs several herbicides to manage aquatic vegetation in our bay. It’s crucial to understand the potential health and environmental risks associated with these chemicals. Below is an overview of the primary herbicides in use:
Diquat
Health Risks
- Diquat dibromide is highly persistent, with reported field half-lives of greater than 1000 days
- Human Exposure: Diquat is a highly caustic substance that can cause severe mucosal injury to the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Acute exposure may lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, severe dehydration, and disruption of fluid and electrolyte balance. In severe cases, it can result in multi-organ failure, including effects on the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, and central nervous system. [Source, Source]
- Neurological Effects: Exposure has been linked to nervousness, irritability, aggression, disorientation, and, in severe cases, coma and seizures. [Source]
Environmental Impact
- Aquatic Life: Walleye are especially sensitive to diquat, displaying toxic symptoms when exposed at label application rates. In a study of early life stages of fish, 8–10-day-old walleye showed an LC50 of 0.75 mg/L, indicating a high level of sensitivity. [Source, Source]
Fluridone Herbicide
Environmental Impact
- Aquatic Life: Slight to moderate toxicity to freshwater fish and invertebrates [Source]
ProcellaCOR
Health and Environmental Concerns
- PFAS Classification: The active ingredient, florpyrauxifen-benzyl, is classified as a PFAS (“forever chemical”) due to its persistence in the environment. [Source]
- Regulatory Actions: Calls for a pause on ProcellaCOR’s use have emerged due to concerns over its safety. [Source]
- Community Concerns: Residents in Lake George have voiced opposition to its use over environmental and health concerns. [Source]
Potential Risks and Concerns
- Non-Target Plant Damage: Studies show ProcellaCOR may harm native aquatic vegetation such as coontail, waterlilies, and watershield—not just invasive species. [Source]
- PFAS Concerns: The active ingredient, florpyrauxifen-benzyl, has been flagged by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as a potential PFAS compound—a class of “forever chemicals” linked to long-term environmental persistence and possible health effects. [Source]
- Ecological Disruption: Critics argue ProcellaCOR may unintentionally impact aquatic ecosystems, affecting the food chain and biodiversity. [Source]
- Herbicide Resistance: There is a potential for weed populations to develop resistance to ProcellaCOR, especially if used repeatedly in the same area. This resistance could reduce the herbicide’s effectiveness over time.[Source]
Auxin-Mimicking Herbicides
Health and Environmental Concerns
- Non-Target Plant Damage: Despite their selectivity, auxin-mimicking herbicides can negatively affect native plant species, reducing seedling emergence and biomass. [Source]
- Herbicide Resistance: Repeated use can lead to herbicide-resistant weeds due to mechanisms like enhanced metabolic detoxification. [Source]
- Environmental Persistence: Some auxin mimics, such as aminocyclopyrachlor, persist in soil and can damage sensitive crops even seasons after application. [Source]
- Ecological Disruption: Sub-lethal exposure may alter plant-herbivore interactions, affecting feeding patterns and ecosystem balance. [Source]
Conclusion
While managing aquatic vegetation is vital, balancing these efforts with the potential risks of chemical treatments is crucial. Understanding the health and environmental impacts of herbicides like diquat, fluridone, ProcellaCOR, and auxin-mimicking herbicides will help the community make informed decisions to protect both our waters and our well being.
By providing my information below I hereby oppose the creation of a LID in Harrison Bay