Herbicides to Kill Pond Weeds

As of June 2005, the Town is evaluating long-term pond management options. One option considered was to chemically treat the pond with herbicides to kill the pond weeds. Initially, the town has ruled out all herbicides except fluridone. Fluridone (trade name sonar) was considered an option to remove the invasive pond weeds (e.g. milfoil) in Morses Pond. However, in June 2005, the Wellesley Natural Resource Commission voted to not use fluridone. Thus, the use of fluridone is not an option for Morses Pond.

Note, several other communities in the US have used Fluridone in drinking water supplies.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has information about lake and pond management. Those interested in the fluridone treatment should read Appendices with REVISED Appendix 3 section on Fluridone. Note, this appendix was cached on this site on May 05 (in case the link moves).

See June 30, 2005: Wellesley Townsman article NRC says no to controversial herbicide.