Township Considering Carp To Control Weeds

The Environmental Commission is considering using carp to help rid township-owned ponds of chemical pollutants.

During its monthly meeting Wednesday, the commission considered the "fishy" proposal that would go into use at several ponds owned by the township.

Board member Hugh Merritt said three sites are currently being considered for the program.  The number of fish to be distributed in each pond would depend on the percentage of oxygen-depriving weeds and the surface areas of each pond.

"The minimum percentage of surface area of each pond would have to be compromised," Merritt said. "There has to be enough identifiable weeds in order to maintain proper oxygen levels and fish population."

The state program, Merritt said, is not new.

"We are not breaking new ground science-wise." Merritt said. "We are not pioneers in this. Several towns in the state are doing this."

Merritt said township environmental officials can contact those towns aready involved in the program to learn how best to use the carp to kill the weeds.

Merritt also said that local high school students, especially those interested in a career in  biology, can help with the program.

"If we could get two to four high school juniors or seniors, that would be great," Merritt said.

He added that with warm weather nearing and a turn to cooler autumn and winter temperatures, the program would have to be implemented quickly.

"Ideally, this should be done in the next two to three weeks," Merritt said.

Dr. Larry Kornreich said he had already spoken with Montville Township School Superintendent Dr. Paul Fried about the program.

"He likes the idea," Kornreich said.

Board member Michelle Caron said the carp program had her wholehearted support.

"This is a wonderful idea," Caron said. "I don't like the idea of using chemicals to kill the weeds and polluting our ponds. This [using fish] is beautiful thing."