Council delays milfoil vote

SANDPOINT — The City Council is taking its time on selecting a solution to the Eurasian milfoil infestation in Sand Creek and Windbag Marina.

After the Idaho State Department of Agriculture offered to apply triclopyr-based herbicides at the state’s expense to problematic areas near City Beach. In response, conservation organizations turned out to oppose  herbicide use in public waters.

Given the outpouring of public concern over the matter and several arguments made for both sides of the issue, council members wanted to make the most informed decision possible. Since the Idaho State Department of Agriculture doesn’t need an immediate answer, the council delayed the decision until next month, giving members time to conduct their own research.

The issue drew a crowd that packed the council chambers. Before council began the debate, several attendees expressed their concern over the prospect of herbicides in the lake. Others claimed the worries were overblown and urged the council to make decisions based on facts and not emotion.

According to Parks and Recreation director Kim Woodruff, he saw herbicide as the only viable solution to the infestation considering its past effectiveness and the lack of cost for the city. However, he understood opposing residents’ perspective.

“I want to acknowledge and respect the wishes of everyone here,” he said.

Woodruff based his position on state data, which indicated 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. Proponents of herbicide said the Environmental Protection Agency cleared triclopyr for use after testing quantities many times larger than the actual dosage, making human, animal or native plant damage unlikely.  

Shannon Williamson, executive director of Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeepers, led the charge among those opposing the use of herbicides in the waters.

According to her data, 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.  

“Studies have shown significant and very toxicological responses in lab animals,” she said.

Furthermore, Williamson said the herbicide was difficult to evenly distribute and might spread to undesirable areas, like the roped-in swimming areas of City Beach. Finally, she said every individual reacts to herbicide with different levels of sensitivity.

“Considering these factors, there is no safe threshold for human exposure,” she said.

Opponents of herbicide options preferred a mix of diver dredging, where divers dig up offending plants, and bottom barriers, large black tarps that block the invasive species from sunlight. According to Williamson, Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeepers would be willing to raise funds in support of these alternatives.

However, proponents said the magnitude of the infestation and the cost involved precluded these options.   

Council members will have time to examine all possibilities before returning to the issue next month.