State agencies coordinate rapid responses to invasive water plants

The agricultural experiment station sets criteria and lists eligible species. The environmental agency expedites permits for response work, prioritizing hydrilla. These rules cover aquatic invasive plants in Connecticut waters that meet the station's criteria, including hydrilla. Eligible species include newly discovered aquatic invasive species and hydrilla populations found within the past three years, including satellite populations. Rapid response means efforts to eradicate, contain, or control plants while an infestation remains localized, and includes action on new introductions. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.

The station identifies new plant introductions, maps populations and nearby threatened or endangered species, and may coordinate or conduct response work. The station and environmental agency develop a hydrilla response plan. Response work covers new aquatic invasive plant populations in state waters, including newly discovered hydrilla. For herbicide treatment on a privately owned lake or pond, each waterfront owner must receive one notice at least 24 hours beforehand, by phone, personal contact, or a conspicuous notice on the home's entry door; two notices are not required. The plan assigns agency roles and response steps. After expedited permits are issued, the station may coordinate or conduct treatment in the same season. Actions for newly introduced invasive plants must occur before or during key reproductive periods, based on the best available science.

The station develops a statewide management plan for public reference and tracks response results. The public health department coordinates with the environmental agency on permit conditions for treatment near public water supplies. The management plan covers aquatic invasive species statewide; permit conditions concern treatment near public water supplies. The station may consult other groups through a public comment period. Permit conditions apply to treatment in a public water supply watershed or within 200 feet of a public water supply well. This section takes effect October 1, 2026.