Case Study - Wakulla Springs, Florida

The Problem Wakulla Springs is a Class A high volume spring that forms the headwaters of the Wakulla River located just south of Tallahassee, Florida. This Spring and much of the headwaters was part of a large estate until the family donated it to the State of Florida Parks System. Wakulla Springs State Park surrounds the spring and upper River system. The crystal clear water attracts people from throughout the World and the park offers glass bottom boat and ecological tours of this undisturbed Florida ecosystem. In the late 1999’s, the invasive aquatic species Hydrilla was mistakently introducted to the springs and rapidly colonized the river. This invasion displaced native plants and animals throughout the river system. The dense plants were a significant hinderance to the park operations. The swimming beach was choked wih the weed and allowed large alligators to hide in close proximity to people using the beach. The glass bottom boats were rendered useless as the weed mass filled the water column and obstructed the view. The eco-tours boats were damaged attempting to get though the thick vegeation and the opportunities to view wildlife were gone. The State spent in excess of $500,000.00 attempting to harvest this weed with no noticeable impact.

Before Aquathol Treatment

The Solution Flow Studies and Application of Aquatic Herbicides. The State Bureau of Aquatic and Invasive Plant Management turned to Aquatechnex for a solution to this problem. We determined that based on the scope of the infestation and the available technologies to manage hydrilla that some type of aquatic herbicide application would be the only effective cure at the initial stages of the program. The issue was the water flow from the spring and in the river. Our firm utilized a florecent dye technology we helped the US Army Corps of Engineers Aquatic Plant Control Research Program develop and field test in the Pactific Northwest. A system of injection hoses was set up across the river near the spring and the dye injected. The Corps biologists assisted in this mission providing monitoring downstream using equipment to determine concentrations and flow patterns. We determined that this type of system would provide excellent contact/exposure time if a herbicide was to be utilized. In the spring of 2003, our firm designed and installed a uniqute application system and Aquathol K aquatic herbicide was injected at a controlled rate at the spring headwaters. This treatment provided excellent results. The hydrilla was removed from approximately 10 miles of the river system, native aquatic plants were not impacted and rapidly colonized the open space, the flow of the river increased to the point that accumulated sediments were flushed from the system exposing the natural hard sand bottom, and the park operations thrived. This program has provided ongoing management of this problem and the Park can provide an excellent recreational opportunity to the public at this unique pristine treasure.

After Aquathol Treatment