Looks like advocates of treating Lake Cochituate with herbicides have hit another roadblock. The Massachusetts lake has been teeming with Eurasian water milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) for years. Previous plans to dose the lake were met with concern from nearby residents who questioned the potential affects on a nearby water supply. Now the Metrowest Daily News is reporting that a consultant has been hired to make sure the lake is not habitat for the endangered snail known as the mossy valvata (Valvata sincera). I don't think there have been any sightings of the snail at the lake - this seems more like an issue that was raised because of people protesting the herbicide use. Application of the chemical in question, fluoridone, would be toxic to mollusk species.
Bonus points to the Metrowest Daily News for using the snail's scientific name.
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