Connecticut plans to spray toxic chemical herbicide into lakes and rivers. Here's context

Toxic Weed Killer Planned for Use in Connecticut Rivers Sparks Alarm


In the weeks surrounding July 4, 2025, people across Connecticut began raising concerns about a controversial chemical called Diquat—a weed killer known for its strength and toxicity. The chemical is part of a federally backed project to control a fast-spreading water plant called hydrilla, which is choking parts of the Connecticut River. While the government says the goal is to protect the ecosystem, many citizens worry the cure could be worse than the problem.

The Connecticut River Hydrilla Control Research and Demonstration Project first used small doses of Diquat in 2023. This summer, they planned to expand the treatment. According to official sources, the plan was coordinated by federal, state, and tribal agencies—meaning it had high-level approval. Other states like Florida and Massachusetts have also used Diquat in past years to battle aquatic weeds, which are hard to remove once they take over.

But concerns exploded online after musician Chris Webby posted a video to his X (formerly Twitter) account, warning followers that "Connecticut is about to poison its own lakes and rivers." He called Diquat “the nuclear option,” saying it doesn’t just kill the hydrilla—it kills everything else in the water, and possibly harms humans too. Webby’s message quickly spread, gaining thousands of views and stirring worry among residents.

And here’s the part many find troubling: Diquat is banned in Europe. Some scientists and farmers there say it’s too dangerous, not just for fish and plants, but also for people. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Diquat can irritate skin, eyes, and cause breathing problems if touched or inhaled in high amounts. While small, approved amounts are said to be “safe” when handled properly, that word doesn’t calm many people who live near the water.

Connecticut officials have said the chemical will be used carefully and in targeted zones—not sprayed across the entire river. They argue that hydrilla is so invasive that it could clog the entire river system, hurting fish, blocking boats, and causing long-term damage. But critics say more testing should be done before spraying something that could end up in drinking water or harm wildlife.

What is Diquat?

Diquat dibromide is a chemical herbicide. That means it’s used to kill plants—especially fast-growing ones that take over ponds, rivers, or farmland. Diquat is non-selective, which means it doesn’t pick and choose what it kills. It damages any green plant it touches.

How Does It Work?

  1. Contact killer – Diquat doesn’t soak into the soil. It only affects the part of the plant it touches.

  2. Stops photosynthesis – When Diquat hits the plant’s leaves, it messes up photosynthesis (how the plant makes food from sunlight).

  3. Creates oxygen burst – It causes a chemical reaction inside the plant that leads to a burst of unstable oxygen (called "free radicals"). These damage the plant’s cells quickly, causing it to dry out and die.

  4. Works fast – It can kill soft plants within hours or a couple of days.

Why Do Some People Think It’s Dangerous?

Diquat is strong—so strong that it has serious warnings, even when used properly:

  • Toxic if swallowed – A small amount can hurt a person or animal if they drink water containing it.

  • Harmful to eyes and skin – If Diquat touches your skin or eyes, it can burn or cause damage.

  • Breathing problems – Breathing in Diquat dust or spray can irritate your lungs and throat.

  • No known antidote – If someone swallows it or gets poisoned, there’s no special medicine to reverse the effects—only hospital treatment.

Is It Safe in Water?

Supporters say yes—but with strict rules:

  • The EPA allows Diquat to be used in water only in limited, approved amounts.

  • Spraying must happen in calm water, away from drinking water sources.

  • People and pets are usually told to stay out of the water for a day or two after treatment.

  • The water can be tested to make sure levels drop back to safe amounts before people drink or swim in it.

Why Is It Banned in Europe?

In the European Union, Diquat was banned in 2018. Why?

  • Officials there said there wasn’t enough proof that it could be used safely over time.

  • They were concerned about long-term exposure, especially for farmers and animals.

  • They also worried about it getting into the groundwater or hurting insects like bees.

Bottom Line

Diquat kills invasive plants quickly, which is why states like Connecticut want to use it to fight hydrilla. But it’s a very potent chemical, and if used carelessly, it could hurt wildlife, pets, or people.

Some scientists say it’s safe if sprayed in small amounts and handled with care. Others say the risks to the environment and public health are too high—especially since it’s banned in many parts of the world.


Here is the official site for the Hydrilla Control Project:

Connecticut plans to spray toxic chemical herbicide into lakes and rivers. Here's context | Snopes.com

Video from Chris Webby’s latest post:

🚨 THEY POSTPONED THE SPRAY !! 

Now it’s time to keep applying pressure and make sure this nasty poison stays out of our waterways in Connecticut for good ..

I’m out of my depth on that one.. but if people continue coming together like this, great things can be accomplished. 

At the end of the day, I’m just a concerned citizen who’s sick of getting poisoned on a regular basis with government approval. 

I’m sick of wildlife always getting the short end of the stick and suffering when there was always a better way forward. 

And I’m sick of being lied to.

Here’s what Chat GPT suggested as the best ways forward to get Diquat banned in CT. 

The floor is open in the comments and beyond to anyone who has ideas, connections, or insight on the road ahead. 

Cheers, and happy 4th of July 🇺🇸🫡🕸

Petition Link : http://Change.org/StopTheSprayCT

***

PHASE 1: PUBLIC PRESSURE (July 4–13)

1.1 Flood the Public Comment Period:

•Submit to USACE: CTRiver-Hydrilla@usace.army.mil

•Talking Points:

•Diquat is banned in the EU for a reason.

•Safer alternatives exist

•CT residents were not properly informed.

•We demand no herbicide spraying until a full ban is in place.


1.2 Contact Officials (call/email/post):

•Governor Lamont

•(860) 566‑4840 | governor.lamont@ct.gov

•Brian P. Thompson (DEEP)

•(860) 424‑3019 | brian.thompson@ct.gov

•Keith Hannon (USACE)

•(978) 318‑8833 | keith.w.hannon@usace.army.mil

•Senator Richard Blumenthal

•(860) 258–6940 | [online form]

•Rep Tony Hwang (if local to you)

•Tony.Hwang@cga.ct.gov


PHASE 2: BUILD A PUBLIC DEMAND


2.1 Petition Push:

•Link to http://Change.org petition front and center

•Frame: “This isn’t just a pause. It’s our chance to end Diquat forever.”


2.2 Local Organizing:

•Contact local environmental groups

•Pool resources and continue to build an online community of people to put our heads together and figure out the best steps forward


PHASE 3: LEGISLATIVE ACTION


3.1 Draft a State Ban Bill (Modeled on Paraquat Bans):

•Introduce a proposal for CT to ban Diquat use in all public waters


3.2 Public Testimony Prep:

•Prepare public comments and testimonials from citizens with environmental experience, health concerns, or water access issues


3.3 Leverage 2026 Election Cycle:

•Get candidates on the record about their position on Diquat

(1) Chris Webby (@ChrisWebby) / X


EPA fact sheet on Diquat safety:

https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/diquat-dibromide


The Brutal Truth July 2025

The Brutal Truth Copyright Disclaimer under Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976: Allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research.

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