Milfoil options are contested

SANDPOINT — A battle is brewing between conservation organizations and state departments over proposed invasive species treatments near City Beach.

The City Council meeting tonight stands to draw a variety of perspectives as officials determine whether or not to authorize the use of herbicides near the swimming areas of City Beach. Posited for the waters directly north and south of the roped-off swimming areas, the triclopyr chemical treatments are intended to kill off an invasive species infestation identified in 2011 by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.

An herbicide that targets broad-leaf water plants, triclopyr is used to kill off Eurasian watermilfoil with a limited impact on the natural environment.

Council members will have to decide whether or not to let the state  handle the infestation at no expense to the city. However, that will also mean authorizing the use of triclopyr very near the beach and swimming areas.

“In my opinion, the chemical treatments are the only feasible option at this time,” Parks and Recreation director Kim Woodruff said.

However, not everyone considers the offer to be a good deal. Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper representatives have come out in opposition to herbicides in public waters. According to executive director Shannon Williamson, the combination of chemicals and public water — especially near a popular recreational site — could have a damaging impact on both swimmers and the native plants and animals within the ecosystem.

“These are toxic chemicals that are designed to kill an organism,” she said. “Our position is that there is no safe level that can be introduced into these waters.”

Williamson said studies have linked triclopyr to several health conditions. In high concentrations, the chemical causes eye and skin irritation in humans. Tests have shown kidney damage in rats and dogs, reproductive problems in rabbits and rats, inhibited neurological activity and tumors in animal subjects.

“By (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines it should be classified as a carcinogen on some level, but it’s not,” Williamson said.

According to state officials, the low and diluted chemical dosages needed to kill off invasive species shouldn’t have an effect on anyone using the lake. Triclopyr has difficulty permeating human skin, and in the case of ingestion, usually declines to undetectable levels within 48 hours. The herbicide residue is typically dissipated from water in one to two weeks.

However, Williamson argues that chemicals are potentially harmful overkill when non-toxic alternatives are available. Instead, she promotes diver dredging, where divers remove the entire plant from the sediment including the roots, or bottom barriers — a large, black tarp that blocks the plant from sunlight, eventually killing it.

Furthermore, she said this is the wrong time to make a decision. Until the lake temperature has warmed and the water level lowered to seasonably favorable conditions, the extent of the problem will be unclear.

Both sides agree that the invasive species problem needs to be handled. The matter is set for discussion at the council meeting tonight, which will start 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.