Judge lifts block on Lake George herbicide treatments
LAKE GEORGE, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A Warren County judge ruled there wasn’t enough evidence to uphold an injunction blocking herbicide ProcellaCOR’s application to Lake George.
“I just can't conclude that the injunction that was issued to expatriate should be standing. So that's my ruling” the judge said to a gasping court galley.
The state run Lake George Park Commission can proceed with utilizing the chemical which is a faster method of managing pest Eurasian Water Milfoil rather than traditional hand harvesting.
New York State lawyers argue the Herbicide is safe, citing its successful application to Lakes Luzerne and Minerva.
Lake George Association lawyers, and some local residents, fear the herbicide contains PFAS, forever chemicals which may cause cancer.
“We don't know what's going to happen to people who are exposed to this 5 years from now 10 years from now,” said Kaitlyn Pote of Haig, NY
They base these fears on a Minnesota Department of Agriculture study that reclassified ProcellaCOR as containing PFAS.
“I think we need to go for their jobs because they're not protecting Lake George people or the environment,” said Brittney Ross of Lake George.
Jobs like that of Park Commission leader Dave Wick. Though he’s become a local pariah, Wick stands by state evidence.
“Look at the experience on this look at the PhD aquatic toxicology. Look at the Public safety professionals that have said there are absolutely no drinking water challenges or public health challenges with this” Wick told NEWS10.
Dominic Jude debated protesters in front of Warren County Court. The Chestertown diver who adds ProcellaCOR to lakes says it's safe.
“What the judge wasn't able to see. We've been able to witness. We've watched the milfoil and invasive aquatic plants for years and so we have seen the results. ProcellaCOR works,” Jude said.
A protester on Friday said she and others will simply not allow Priscilla Court to be added to Lake George. What kind of protest they will be planning to block that remains to be seen.