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Presentation Abstract From Western Aquatic Plant Management Society 2003 Annual Meeting

A NEW RESEARCH PROGRAM ON NON CHEMICAL PEST CONTROL IN CALIFORNIA WATERS,
Ben K. Greenfield, Nicole David, and Geoff Siemering, San Francisco Estuary Institute, 7770 Pardee Lane, Oakland, CA 94621

In the post-Talent decision environment, added costs associated with NPDES permits have increased the potential appeal of non-chemical weed control alternatives, such as mechanical harvesting, hand removal, and biological control. However, because non-chemical methods are often considered unfeasible, it is important to identify circumstances where they may be suitable. The Aquatic Pesticide Monitoring Program, funded by the California State Water Control Board, will conduct a detailed cost-benefit analysis to compare non-chemical versus chemical methods in California waters. Case studies will include control projects currently underway in California, as well as demonstration projects for new approaches. Ultimately, the study intends to document the economic feasibility of different control methods on a variety of sites (lakes, irrigation and stormwater canals, wetlands, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta). The project will also compare the potential environmental threats posed by chemical toxicity versus threats of non-chemical methods to local water quality and wildlife.