Notice of Weed Spraying in Lake Wanaka

Property owners and users of Lake Wanaka, including for recreation, are advised that the herbicide diquat will be applied in gel form to control lake weed (Lagarosiphon) at the following sites in Lake Wanaka:

• Paddock Bay
• Glendhu Bluff
• Parkins Bay
• Glendhu Bay
• Bishops Bay.

The spray operations may involve the discharge of harmless tracer dye during and/or prior to the spray operations. The dye is used to mimic the discharge of herbicides in order to obtain information about the dilution and dispersion characteristics after it has been sprayed on the target weeds. The key adverse effect of the use of the dye will be the temporary visual impact of the dye plume in the water. The dye is harmless, there will be no adverse effects on the aquatic ecology of the water body, and the dye will continue to be diluted until it is no longer visible.

The work is scheduled to begin from Tuesday 8 June 2010 and may continue intermittently to Friday 25 June 2010, as weather and water conditions permit. Treatment will not take place during weekends or on public holidays.

As a precautionary measure only, Land Information New Zealand advises users not to take water from the Lake Wanaka to consume or for irrigation purposes from the vicinity of the treatment area, until 24 hours after treatment has been completed.

Radio Notices will air on Radio Wanaka 24 hours prior to the planned spray dates, and everyday until the work is completed. Warning signs will be placed at authorised public boat ramps during treatment and will be removed 24 hours after treatment.

A helicopter and boat will be used to apply the herbicide when conditions are suitable.

Weed control on Lake Wanaka is overseen by the Wanaka Lagarosiphon Managers Committee which includes representatives from Queenstown Lakes District Council, the Guardians of Lake Wanaka, Otago Regional Council, Land Information New Zealand and the Department of Conservation.

Read a copy of Land Information New Zealand’s full annual control works programme.

Further information is available from Boffa Miskell Ltd during office hours on 0800 638 943, by writing to PO Box 91250, Auckland 1142, or emailing tim.mckenzie@boffamiskell.co.nz