19-07-2025
Connecticut leaders address use of controversial chemical diquat against hydrilla
DEEP RIVER, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut leaders are addressing concerns about the use of the controversial chemical diquat to combat hydrilla.
Diquat dibromide is approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency for aquatic use, but is currently banned in the European Union.
Conversation has stirred online — including stemming from a petition with close to 20,000 signatures — pointing to concerns over the chemical's use in state waterways. Known as a severe irritant, some studies have shown it could also pose harm to aquatic life.
'The evidence to date shows that any negative effects on aquatic life are short term and reversible. The impacts of hydrilla are not,' Alicea Charamut of the Rivers Alliance of Connecticut said Friday.
Through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, plans are in place to treat waterways via sub-surface injection into limited ponds, coves and marinas state-wide. If left unchecked, experts say the overgrowth of hydrilla could lead to depleted oxygen levels in waterways, affecting local wildlife and fauna.
'Hydrilla is really the greater evil,' Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Mason Trumble said, 'It can spread really quickly.'
State leaders say the decision to use the herbicide was not made lightly. Greg Bugbee of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, who worked closely with the Army Corps of Engineers, explained Friday that multiple test sites, public hearings and workshops over the span of three years were brought into consideration.
'They wanted to test all options that they knew could possibly work,' Bugbee said.
According to a public notice sent by the Army Corps of Engineers, treatment will be happening at these locations:
Chester Creek in Chester
Deep River in Deep River
Hamburg Cove in Lyme
Joshua Creek in Lyme
Mattabesset River in Middletown
Parker's Point in Chester
an expanded Portland Boat Works in Portland
Post and Pratt Coves in Deep River
Salmon River in East Haddam
Selden Creek in Lyme
Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton
Pameacha Pond in Middletown
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