The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is seeking a permit to apply pesticides to invasive elodea in three sloughs near Fairbanks. The Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting public comments on the application through May 28.

The treatment would target elodea growing in Chena Slough, Piledriver Slough, and Manley Hot Springs Slough. DNR plans to use fluridone-based pesticides applied from boats between June and September.

Elodea is an invasive aquatic plant that can grow densely enough to block boat and float plane traffic, reduce oxygen levels in water, and harm fish habitat. The plant spreads through fragments, making physical removal ineffective.

DNR would apply two formulations of the pesticide fluridone. Sonar Genesis would be applied through continuous drip or weighted hoses beneath the water surface. SonarOne pellets would be spread from a boat.

The state says controlling elodea in these flowing waters is critical to prevent the plant from spreading to other locations.

Comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on May 28. The public can comment online at dec.alaska.gov/comment or by mail to Rebecca Colvin, DEC Pesticide Program, 555 Cordova Street, Anchorage AK 99501. Email comments are accepted at [email protected].

The permit application is available online through the DEC website. Questions about the application can be directed to Karin Hendrickson at the DEC Pesticide Control Program at 907-376-1856 or [email protected].