NOTICE
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife intends to rehabilitate Quincy and Burke Lakes in Grant County during the period of October 10-16, 2005.
The pesticide to be used is an organic, natural compound called rotenone. The pesticide is in both powdered and liquid formulations (powdered rotenone at 6 - 8 % active ingredient and liquid rotenone at 5 % active ingredient). The targeted total concentration of rotenone in the water is less than or equal to 4 parts per million for all treated waters listed above.
Lake rehabilitation involves the treatment of the water with rotenone to eradicate undesirable species of fish. The undesirable species of fish in the waters listed above are yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, bass, bluegill, and bullheads. These species have overpopulated the lake, competing with stocked trout fingerlings and eliminating the desired trout fishery. Rotenone is non-persistent in the environment and not toxic to humans or livestock at levels used to eradicate fish.
Notices will be posted along the shorelines, public boat launches, and other areas of normal access to the water. Please obey the following use restrictions within the posted treatment area:
1) No fish can be taken and eaten from the lake during the treatment period.
2) Do not use water to irrigate crops during the treatment period.
3) Do not use as potable water source during treatment period.
4) Do not swim in the lake until the rotenone product is thoroughly mixed.
The above list details the water use restrictions applicable to the waters listed above for the duration of rotenone toxicity. Rotenone toxicity will persist for 3 to 8 weeks. Assays will be done to determine lake toxicity, and water use restrictions will be removed when the lake detoxifies.
For more information concerning the treatment, contact the applicator, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, District 5 Fish Biologist - Jeff Korth, Phone number 509-754-4624.
This pesticide treatment is regulated under permit by the Washington Department of Ecology Water Quality Program, Eastern WA Regional Office (509) 456-2926. These pesticides have been approved for this purpose by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington Department of Agriculture.
#09047
Pub.: September 30, 2005