Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

07/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/08/2025 15:57

State of Connecticut Regarding U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Efforts to Control Invasive Hydrilla in Connecticut River

Press Releases 07/08/2025 State of Connecticut Regarding U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Efforts to Control Invasive Hydrilla in Connecticut River Federal project to address harmful invasive species that threatens Connecticut's economy, ecology, and public use as misinformation circulates online (HARTFORD) - The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is providing more information about its role in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (the Army Corps) ongoing, multi-year project to control Hydrilla, an aggressive invasive aquatic plant, in the Connecticut River and other water bodies in the state. Hydrilla spreads quickly and harms the river's ecosystem, recreational opportunities, and local economy. The Army Corps' project goal is to control its spread and protect the river for future generations. While DEEP reviews and issues permits to ensure the work meets environmental and public health standards, the project itself, including the application of federally approved herbicides like diquat, is designed, managed, and carried out by the Army Corps and its certified contractors. Who Does What: Roles and Responsibilities The Army Corps: Designs the project, including control methods, seeks relevant federal and state approvals, and hires licensed professionals to apply the treatments. DEEP: Reviews each required permit application thoroughly to ensure the proposed work is scientifically sound, minimizes risks to human health and the environment, and complies with state and federal standards. You can learn more about EPA's approval process here. You can learn more about DEEP's pesticides program here. Licensed Applicators: Apply EPA and state-approved herbicides under strict permit and license conditions. Community Partners: Educate the public, help prevent the spread of Hydrilla, and support control efforts. These partners can include municipalities and nonprofit organizations. Opportunities for Public Involvement The Army Corps has hosted multiple public meetings, published detailed information online, and issued a formal public notice for the project. The notice outlines the proposed work and provides an opportunity for public comment. Members of the public can view the notice here: Public Notice PDF. Additional information and resources about the project are also available on the Army Corps website: USACE Project Page. In addition to the Pesticides permits explained above, the Army Corps must also seek approval from DEEP's Land and Water Resources Division (LWRD). Under the Coastal Zone Management Act, LWRD performs a Federal Coastal Consistency Determination to verify that a federal action is consistent with Connecticut's coastal policies. The Army Corps has applied to DEEP and expects to go to notice on this determination in the next week. This review includes a public notice and a public comment period. Given the level of public interest, DEEP plans to extend the public comment period to 30 days to submit comments, rather than the typical 15 days. The public should keep an eye on DEEP's website under Public Notices - Proposed Individual Permits to learn more about the comment period and how to submit comments. Why Hydrilla Is a Serious Threat Hydrilla is a fast-growing invasive plant that crowds out native species, damages aquatic ecosystems, and harms local communities. If left untreated, it degrades water quality and fish habitats, clogs waterways to the point that boats and kayaks can't pass, increases flooding risks, and lowers property values along the river. Mechanical harvesting has been ruled out for this project because it often makes the problem worse, small plant fragments break off, float downstream, and start new infestations. The Army Corps' environmental assessment determined that targeted herbicide application is the most effective control method. Community Support for Action The Connecticut Fisheries Advisory Council, which represents a coalition of angling and conservation organizations, and The Connecticut Federation of Lakes, representing stakeholders who deeply value Connecticut's waterways express strong support for the effort: "Hydrilla is capable of doing serious harm to our waterways and our enjoyment of them. Now that we have hydrilla in our waters it is absolutely essential that we find ways to manage the harm it causes. We need to identify effective ways to prevent additional infestations, respond to new infestations, and to minimize damage from established infestations. The CT Fisheries Advisory Council and the many organizations we represent strongly support the collaborative efforts of the CT DEEP, CT Agriculture Experiment Station, US Army Corps of Engineers, and others engaged in scientific efforts to identify solutions that will work in Connecticut waters." - William Hyatt, Vice-Chair and Legislative Chair, Connecticut Fisheries Advisory Council "The Connecticut Federation of Lakes strongly supports the ongoing efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CT Agricultural Experiment Station, CT DEEP, and their partners in addressing the urgent threat posed by Hydrilla in the Connecticut River. While we recognize public concerns about herbicide use, the selective and carefully monitored application of EPA-approved treatments remains one of the most effective tools available to protect our waterways. Continued collaboration, transparency, and public engagement are essential to ensuring a healthy river for future generations." - James Fischer, President, Connecticut Federation of Lakes The Connecticut Federation of Lakes also voiced its commitment to supporting the project, citing plans to educate the lake community, work with agencies to improve surveys of threatened species, and advise on permitting strategies to ensure rapid, effective response to Hydrilla outbreaks. Additional Community Perspective The Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, a respected advocate for the protection of the state's waterways and natural resources, offered the following perspective on the serious threat posed by Hydrilla and the necessity of decisive management. Their statement underscores the scientific and thoughtful deliberation behind the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' approach: Rivers Alliance, like many other environmental organizations, does not typically endorse herbicide use as a solution for aquatic invasive plants. In fact, we usually advocate against it. However, the Connecticut River strain of hydrilla is comparable to the most aggressive forms of cancer where in order to save a life, the most aggressive treatments have to be utilized. We understand everyone's concern about the use of diquat. We have concerns as well. That's why we have closely monitored the studies conducted on this unique strain of hydrilla to ensure that all possible management approaches were explored. We attended each public meeting to confirm that the Army Corps of Engineers was using a thoughtful, research-based approach. After listening, learning and asking questions, we were assured that Corps was taking a thoughtful approach and had to accept that herbicide application was the only management option that would be effective. I hope those who truly care about the long-term health of our waters will take the time to truly listen, learn and ask questions. Contrary to the misinformation being spread, this process was set up for public engagement. - Rivers Alliance of Connecticut Save the Sound, a regional environmental organization dedicated to protecting and restoring Long Island Sound and its watershed, shared its view on the need for decisive action against Hydrilla despite its general opposition to herbicides. The group emphasized the urgent threat posed by invasive species and the importance of evaluating all available tools: "Invasive species like Hydrilla can transform entire ecosystems, wiping out native flora and fauna. Invasive species impose enormous costs on society impacting agriculture, drinking water and the public's ability to enjoy the natural world. Save the Sound is not a proponent of using herbicides. We worked on banning neonicotinoids this past legislative session because we see these chemicals as less than necessary and extremely dangerous to aquatic life. However, sometimes chemical tools are the only viable solution to restoring ecosystems and there are many successful examples around the word. We support the efforts of the US Army Corps of Engineers, the CT Agricultural Station, and the CT DEEP to investigate and employ strategies to try and turn the tide against the rapidly spreading Hydrilla infestation." - Save the Sound Elected Officials from Across CT Weigh In Several Connecticut legislators voiced strong support for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' evidence-based hydrilla management efforts, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this invasive threat to the Connecticut River. Their statements highlight the environmental, economic, and public safety risks posed by hydrilla, the importance of using proven tools like diquat responsibly, and the need to combat misinformation while protecting this vital natural resource. "Hydrilla poses a clear threat to the Connecticut River. Its incorrigible invasiveness threatens the wildlife and ecology of the Connecticut River, as well as public drinking water supplies, and recreational industries. I have been proud to support the state's efforts to address this pernicious plague in a safe and effective way and will keep fighting to protect our state's waterways." (Senator Richard Blumenthal, D-CT) "This invasive plant has already wreaked havoc on waterways across Connecticut-and given the unique challenges related to its management and control, it continues to pose a significant risk to our natural resources, our economy, and even our safety and well-being. We must continue to support the evidence-based practices of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and its federal partners, and ensure that we use every reasonable tool available to combat the spread of hydrilla." - Representative John-Michael Parker (D, Co-Chair of the Environment Committee, Madison, Durham) "Diquat has been approved by the US EPA, Army Corps, and DEEP for spot treatment of Hydrilla in CT. Unfortunately social media misinformation has caused some hysteria throughout the State regarding the use of the chemical. Minimal treatment of heavily infested areas of hydrilla need to be controlled and this chemical has the ability to help control this invasive. I would encourage people to contact DEEP or their reps with any questions rather than run with information on social media" - Representative Patrick Callahan (R, Ranking Member of the Environment Committee, New Fairfield, New Milford, Danbury) "The Connecticut River is our premier natural resource and is threatened by the invasive Hydrilla. As its stewards, we must preserve and protect the river, its ecosystems, waterfowl, and wildlife and ensure the safety of residents. If we do not act now, the ecosystems of the Connecticut River will be changed forever, and the river may never recover." - Representative Renee Lemark Muir (D, Haddam, Chester, Essex, Deep River) DEEP's Science and Health-Based Oversight DEEP's highest responsibility in this process is to protect public health and the environment. The Department carefully reviews each application to ensure it is safe, scientifically sound, and environmentally responsible. Only EPA-approved herbicides that are also registered with the state can be used, and they must be applied by certified professionals under strict conditions. DEEP coordinates with public health officials, fisheries biologists, and endangered species experts to ensure the work avoids sensitive habitats, protects drinking water, and minimizes risk to people and wildlife. Economic Costs of Doing Nothing Allowing Hydrilla to spread unchecked threatens jobs in recreation, tourism, fishing, and other water-dependent industries. Property values drop as shorelines become overrun, which also reduces tax revenue for towns. Over time, the costs to control infestations climb dramatically, straining town and state budgets. Marinas, water utilities, and dam operators also see rising costs as Hydrilla clogs intakes and equipment, and the recreational economy suffers when boating, fishing, and swimming areas become inaccessible. Addressing Social Media Claims Recently, some social media posts have claimed that this project has been stopped, paused, or canceled and have raised concerns about the safety of the herbicides. To clarify: DEEP has not been informed that the project has been paused as of the time of this press release. DEEP continues to review permit applications as required, and the Army Corps is managing the project timeline in compliance with the public comment and review process. The herbicides being used, including diquat, are federally approved by the EPA for aquatic use, and are applied under strict state and federal guidelines to protect human health and the environment. Engaging the Public DEEP welcomes and values public involvement in decisions that affect Connecticut's environment and communities. Public comments, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs lead to better decision making and achieve better outcomes. The ongoing public comment period, such as the one outlined in the official Army Corps public notice, is one way the public can participate. DEEP remains committed to its role as environmental regulator, ensuring that any work in Connecticut's waters follows the law, protects public health and wildlife, and preserves the river for future generations. For more information on the Army Corps project, visit: USACE Project Page To view the official public notice: Public Notice PDF For questions about permits or DEEP's role, contact: DEEP.PesticidePermitting@ct.gov For questions about project implementation, contact USACE at: cenae-pa@usace.army.mil Twitter: @CTDEEPNews Facebook: DEEP on Facebook Contact DEEP Communications DEEP.communications@ct.gov 860-424-3110 Twitter Facebook Email Print
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