Currently in Fairbanks Alaska an invasion is taking place throughout the water ways. Elodea canadensis, a common aquatic plant often used in aquariums, is spreading throughout Chena Slough and Chena Lake. The initial start of the invasion is believed to have been caused when someone dumped an aquarium into the slough. Elodea canadensis, commonly referred as the American waterweed, may cause environmental and economic damage to affected areas. Damage to fish habitats may occur, reducing fish and boating. As all of these problem are happening properties near the area may face lower property values. A number of methods are being thought up as right now to face the difficult task at hand. Already attempts have been made to control the spread of …show more content…
The water may no longer be suitable for watering gardens and lawns after the treatment for some time and could damage native species. The expected cost to treat the slough for four years is $600,000. Herbicide fluridone is yet to fully be surveyed to see it affects against Elodea. While the herbicide seems to work Elodea has proven to being to be susceptible to the herbicide for reasons unknown. While the chemical treatment may be unwanted due to the thoughts of dumping chemicals in public waterways, it is the best method. A stated before already 238 man hours were spent clearing 0.59 acres and the area may still be infested due to the some roots that may have been left. Both methods would prove costly, however the use of an herbicide would be far less than manually pulling the plants out and would be quicker. It all comes down to the herbicides impact versus the rapid spreading Elodea. If the waterweed has proven to cause severe harm to the local ecosystem, more than the herbicide, than it should be treated with it without a doubt. Even if the herbicide is problematic it should still be considered due to its effectiveness at completely treating an entire