ProcellaCOR EC Treatment A Success!
Friends of Chateaugay Lake,
As we set the clocks back, put away the Halloween decorations, and prepare for Thanksgiving, we wanted to update you on the initial results of our ProcellaCOR EC pilot project earlier this year in the Narrows.
As a reminder, on June 28th, after extensive review and approval by both the DEC and APA, our contracted applicator, Ready-Scout, applied this highly specific and safe herbicide in an area extending from just south of the Sand Bar to the Narrows bridge. The dilution zone extended from north of the bridge through the Narrows into the Lower Lake inlet area. A map showing these areas can be viewed here.
We then entered a period of testing and monitoring. Samples to measure residues were taken at seven different sampling sites at intervals of 7 hours post-treatment, 1 day post-treatment, and 3 days post-treatment. By 7 hours post-treatment, the ProcellaCOR EC concentration had become undetectable at five of the seven sites, dropping below 1 part per billion (ppb). Within 24 hours, levels were undetectable at the sixth site, and by day three, levels were undetectable at the seventh site.
Six days post-treatment, CLF volunteers went out to look at the treatment area. In the few spots where it was visible, the Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) was drooping and turning brown (photo below).
In August and early September, follow-up inspections and site visits occurred by the APA, Ready-Scout, and a private company, Adirondack Research of Saranac Lake, that we hired to perform a comprehensive post-treatment plant survey as required by the APA.
We are thrilled to report that throughout these various visits and surveys, there was no EWM found in the treatment area. Moreover, the dilution zone, including the rest of the Narrows and the Lower Lake Inlet area, was also found to be clear of EWM based on surface observations and multiple rake tosses to collect plants. We even had our milfoil removal divers check the Lower Lake Inlet, an area they had worked earlier in the season and where they had removed a half ton by hand. They could not find any EWM in the inlet area, although it did begin to appear as they progressed further north along the eastern shore.
These observations were backed up by anecdotal reports from residents up and down the Narrows. Throughout this process, we only received one report of a potential “fish-kill” shortly following the application. The DEC responded and were unable to find evidence of a fish-kill. They tested dissolved oxygen levels and found they were fine. Native vegetation does not appear to have been affected, with many different species observed in good health along the shoreline.
Along with conducting the pilot, we continued with several weeks of hand-harvesting in other areas. We expect targeted hand-harvesting to continue as part of our overall plan, to reinforce herbicide treatment and extend the period of control.
Though we are waiting for the final official written report from Adirondack Research, all the evidence indicates the pilot was a success. We will be meeting to update our Adaptive Management Plan in November. Based on the results of the pilot, our initial plan had been to treat the Lower Lake Inlet in the summer of 2025. However, based on the survey results, the Inlet is clear and we may be able to advance our plan and start to treat key areas in the Upper Lake that were on our 2026 plan!
Thank you for your continued support, both volunteer and financial, as we continue this process. We are also grateful to the Towns of Bellmont, Dannemora, and Ellenburg for their continued financial support. Finally, the support from the Chateaugay Lakes Association (CLA), our business sponsors, and all those who supported or participated in our Milfoiled Madness raffle and celebration was superb. We will continue to communicate by social media, our website, email, and mail as we finalize our 2025 plans and commence the permitting process. During this season of Thanksgiving, we are thankful for you – our friends and neighbors who are key to our ability to fight the spread of EWM on Chateaugay Lake!
Sincerely,
The Chateaugay Lake Foundation Board
