Does the BRID use chemical for aquatic weed control?
The District uses an aquatic herbicide called “Magnacide H” to control aquatic weeds and algae in most cases. Magnacide H is licensed in Canada for use in irrigation canals. It is applied in Alberta under permits from Alberta Environment, by District staff that are specially trained and licensed by Alberta Environment. Magnacide H has been used throughout the world since 1959 and has been in use in the District since 1969. It’s active ingredient is acrolein which is a naturally occurring compound. Magnacide H is injected under water for a period of 90 minutes. This forms a 90 minute “wave” of treated water which moves downstream much like a piston in a cylinder. The Magnacide H “wave” contacts the weeds, killing the submerged leaves and stems. Because Magnacide H degrades fairly quickly in water (8 to 25 hours) its strength will only remain high enough to control weeds in about four miles of canal. Some canals may have to be treated more than once in a season due to regrowth. Does Magn
