State To Combat Invasive Weed Choking Contra Costa Delta

DISCOVERY BAY (KCBS) - Boaters and swimmers in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta are finally getting some help from the state in removing a non-native plant that is flourishing uncontrollably.

KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:

The plant is called Egeria Densa, or Brazilian Waterweed. The South American aquarium plant is notorious for being almost impossible to eradicate. The problem is especially noticeable near Discovery Bay.

"There might not even be any room for boaters to navigate because it's so thick," said Gloria Sandoval of the California Department of Boating and Waterways. "And for swimmers, their feet could get tangled in the weeds."

Starting next month, the state will use an herbicide called fluridone to try to control the weed from growing any further.

"No one in the world has ever been able to eradicate this plant," said Sandoval. "We're dealing with something that is quite difficult to deal with."

Egeria Densa, an aquarium plant, was probably introduced to the area about 40 years ago.

The herbicide will be applied from April to October. While it's harmless to humans and pets, Sandoval suggests that people refrain from watering their plants with the treated water.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)