Selected areas of Lake Zoar are to be chemically treated this week with Reward (Diquat) and ProcellaCOR, herbicides targeting control the aquatic nuisance plants Eurasian watermilfoil and curlyleaf pondweed. 

The treatment is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, August 8, according to an email issued by the Town of Newtown on August 5. The notice was also posted on the Town website.

Prior to treatment, the lake shoreline — in the treatment areas and at public access sites — will be posted with printed signs in accordance with DEEP requirements. The treatment will be done in Newtown, Monroe, Oxford and Southbury, according to the notice.

A map showing the specific treatment areas will be posted at public access sites prior to treatment. The shorelines of treated areas will be posted with signs that list the following temporary water use restrictions to be imposed in treated areas: no swimming in treated areas on the day of treatment, no use of treated lake water for drinking purposes for three days, no use of treated lake water for livestock or domestic animal consumption for one day, no use of treated lake water for irrigating turf or ornamentals for three days, no use of treated lake water for irrigating food crops or production ornamentals for five days.

The temporary water use restrictions apply only to the areas treated and affected by treatment.

The chemical application is being conducted by the State-licensed firm SOLitude Lake Management of 590 Lake Street, Shrewsbury, Mass. Contact Paul Conti for more information at 508-865-1000.