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3 December 2001 |
24 Hour River Closure
Christchurch City Council has advised river users that on Tuesday 4 December from 5:00am, the Avon River will be closed for 24 hours (weather permitting), from McBratneys Road to Wainoni Road Bridge, so that work can be carried out to control the aquatic weed egeria densa.
Owen Southen, Officer of the City Council’s Parks and Waterways Unit, said that excessive growth of egeria densa in waterways affects recreation, ecology, drainage, aesthetics and economics.
“During summer, egeria can grow into a tangled mass, impeding drainage and affecting recreational use of the water. It can also block light to other plants, and decrease oxygen levels in the water”, said Southen. The Council will use diquat herbicide to control the weed, after other control methods tested have been unsuccessful. The application of diquat herbicide does not pose risk to the public or their pets. Mr Southen said that egeria can spread rapidly as only one centimeter of it is necessary to create a new plant. “It is important for river users to clean their equipment thoroughly before putting it in the water again and to learn to identify egeria. It is important to contact the City Council or Environment Canterbury as soon as possible if it is discovered”, said Southen. For more information: Owen Southen, ph: 941 8308 Related information: Egeria guide