There’s something lurking beneath the water — an invasive species in Edmonton stormwater ponds.
“I read it, and the nice picture of goldfish attracted our attention,” said Dr. John O’Connor, a Glastonbury resident.
We’re talking goldfish, which may sound harmless, but a few pets released can lead to a population boom. By law in Alberta, the invasive species needs to be eradicated, but neighbors in west Edmonton, are taking issue with the chemical EPCOR is using.
“A paragraph that talked about rotenone, that said it is not harmful to humans, which I thought maybe a stretch,“ said Dr. O’Connor.
Dr. O’Connor is part of a group, that has mobilized in recent weeks to highlight concerns about EPCOR’s plans, and how they communicated with the community, to use Noxofish, or Rotanone, to kill goldfish that have been in the pond for 20 years.
“The makers of rotenone say it is toxic to humans, it is linked with Parkinsons, can cause convulsions, headaches,” explained Dr. O’Connors.
RELATED: Invasive goldfish in Terwillegar Towne pond to be ‘eradicated,’ officials say
Since 2009, the chemical has been banned in the United Kingdom, but it is Health Canada-approved for use on fish, as long as safety precautions are followed.
“If used inappropriately, yes, it could be of harm for humans. But, there are appropriate ways to handle this that reduces or completely eliminates the ability for that chemical to be of harm to humans,” said Dale Debock, the senior manager at EPCOR.
Over at Terwillegar Towne, EPCOR has a storm pond surrounded by a fence ready for spraying as early as this week. Similar to other ponds treated in recent years, they will keep the fencing up until the chemical risk is gone. By law, needing to cull the goldfish, to prevent them from reaching the North Saskatchewan River.
“North Saskatchewan is a pretty fragile ecosystem that is our main concern,” said Debock.
But neighbours around Guinever Lake in west Edmonton were successful in a short pause on spraying, to understand the impact on birds who nest in the area.
A petition for better notification about Rotanone’s use, amassing 1,400 signatures this week. Not understanding the urgency of spraying here, with goldfish recorded in this pond since 2004.
“We don’t deny that they are here? Everyone in our group worries about the North Saskatchewan River,” said Gary Boehm, a Glastonbury resident.
“The need for action now, really isn’t high. If they haven’t gotten there by now, what’s another few months where the water levels are not high and the pumping system is not one.”
The only other way approved to get rid of goldfish in Alberta would be to drain the pond and keep it dry for an entire winter.
If you are caught releasing an invasive species like a goldfish into the wild in Alberta, the fine is $100,000.
But those in Glastonbury say that deterrent isn’t working. Wanting to continue the conversation about banning the sale of goldfish fish.
“If you don’t take away the supply, then this problem is just going to arise over and over again,” said Boehm.