June 13, 2022
New York State Supreme Court Justice Robert J. Muller today issued a preliminary injunction on the Lake George Park Commission’s planned use of the chemical herbicide ProcellaCOR in the Lake in an effort to control Eurasian watermilfoil. The injunction was requested by the LGA, Waterkeeper and fellow petitioners the Town of Hague and Lake George property owner Helena G. Rice.
Today’s decision is a major victory for Lake George and everyone who believes that science should prevail when it comes to protecting these incredible waters. Lake George is a uniquely special lake deserving of special protections -- and the first-ever use of a chemical herbicide without a full understanding of the potential consequences is a risk we simply cannot afford to take.
This injunction will protect the Lake while the court conducts a thorough review of the regulatory process used by the Adirondack Park Agency to issue the herbicide permits.
With this decision, the LGA, Waterkeeper, and our partners with The Jefferson Project, will move forward in putting all of our scientific and technological expertise to work conducting the Lake George-specific research necessary to answer the serious questions regarding the use of this herbicide in our Lake.
At the same time, we look forward to continuing our partnership with the Lake George Park Commission on the current Eurasian watermilfoil control program and efforts to prevent and contain other aquatic invasive species. Lake George needs all of us working together.
Judge Muller’s decision can be viewed here on P. 2 of the case documents.