The Southwest Florida Water Management District is working with willing property owners to improve the flood control capability of the Peace Creek Canal by treating aquatic vegetation in select areas.
Approximately 20 miles of the canal will be targeted for treatment Nov. 14, 15 or 16. If weather conditions are not favorable, an alternative date is set for Nov. 28-30.
The Peace Creek Canal runs from Lake Hamilton to the Peace River and provides necessary drainage for a large area of central Polk County including Haines City, Lake Hamilton and Lake Alfred. Excessive growth of aquatic plants in the canal have the potential to restrict water flow during flood events.
The target area stretches from the Rifle Range Road bridge, which is east of Bartow, to just north of the Dundee Road bridge. Treatment involves the application of the aquatic herbicide Aqua Star. There are no restrictions on the use of treated canal water for irrigation, recreation or domestic purposes following this application.
The District will be treating aquatic vegetation within sections of the canal where property owners have signed license agreements authorizing this activity. It is expected that this maintenance operation will be required two or three times each year.