FAQs

No. The pond will be fenced off and closed during treatment for a duration of six to eight weeks. The dock will also be removed during the work on the pond.

The trail around the pond will remain accessible throughout the project. For your safety, please obey all construction signage and barriers.

Because this storm pond is connected to the South Saskatchewan River through Medicine Hat's storm system, the City is required to remove these invasive species under the federal Aquatic Invasive Species regulations to prevent them from reaching our natural water courses.

Invasive species like goldfish have no natural predators and outcompete any other species in the area, creating an unbalanced and unhealthy ecosystem that can affect the environment, economy and human health. In order for native species to thrive in their natural habitat, goldfish must be removed.

Goldfish also increase the turbidity in water which reduces oxygen and contributes to algae blooms. Removing the goldfish should increase the water quality and clarity over time for a more enjoyable experience for park visitors and surrounding neighbours.

Rotenone is the standard pesticide used to eradicate unauthorized fish in storm water management ponds in Alberta. It was used successfully in 2022 to eradicate invasive fish in Leinweber pond.

Rotenone will be applied twice at Northlands Storm Pond and residents may notice a temporary chemical odour which is not harmful. The second application is to account for eggs that may be present and hatch after the first application.

No.

When the water level is drawn down, mud on the bottom of the pond will be visible and there may be a resulting 'swampy' smell in the vicinity. Approximately 1 to 1.5 metres of water will remain in the pond during maintenance.

Residents may also noticed a temporary chemical odour when both the herbicide for the cattails and the Rotenone for the goldfish are applied. Neither are harmful to humans, birds or mammals in the volumes applied.

Rotenone:

• A 132-pound person would have to consume more than 150,000 liters (approx. 40,000 gallons) of rotenone-treated water within a 24-hour period to receive a lethal dose. There is no opportunity for long-term effects since rotenone biodegrades within two to four weeks and does not affect wells or groundwater.
•  A bird weighing approximately 113 grams would have to consume 95 liters of treated water within a 24-hour period to receive a lethal dose. This same bird would normally consume 6 milliliters of water daily. 
• All animals have natural enzymes in the digestive tract that neutralize rotenone, whereas gill breathing species (fish, some aquatic insects, and some amphibians in early stage development) do not possess these enzymes and therefore cannot neutralize rotenone.

The goldfish will be retrieved from the pond and disposed at Medicine Hat's landfill.

We will run the pumps during daytime hours only. Enjoy your slumber!

Don't let it loose!

Releasing domestic fish, dead or alive, is illegal. Do not flush it, and do not place it in a local body of water.

If you are no longer able to care for a fish in your aquarium or pond, the Government of Alberta recommends: 

• Contacting a retailer or pet store
• Giving it to an aquarium or pond owner
• Donating to a school 
• Talking to a veterinarian

No! Do not flush non-native fish or dump in local waterways (rivers, ponds, sewers or catch basins). 

After your pet goldfish passes on, please bury it or dispose of it in the garbage to prevent the spread of disease.

Pet owners who intend to dispose of fish can drop by the Parks and Recreation office to pick up a biodegradable fish burial pod free of charge. 

Pour aquarium water over dry land. Do NOT dump it down a catch basin, sink, or toilet.

Freeze aquarium plants before throwing them in the garbage.