LAKE GEORGE, NY (WRGB)- A recent study by the Lake George Association has revealed that the herbicide ProcellaCOR, used to combat the invasive Eurasian watermilfoil, is lingering in the lake’s sediments longer than initially expected.

Dr. Brendan Wiltse, executive director of the association, noted, “We found that as expected, it rapidly disappeared from the water column. But the new finding of the study that’s really novel and unique is that we found the herbicide and its degradants persisting in the sediments of Lake George for up to a year after the application.”

This discovery has sparked concerns among environmental groups about the potential long-term effects of the herbicide, which is being compared to “forever chemicals” like PFOS. Claudia Braymer, executive director of Protect the Adirondacks, voiced her apprehension, saying, “Using Lake George as the test tube, I think that’s very concerning considering how important Lake George is to the environment and our economy here in the Adirondacks.” Despite these worries, the Lake George Association asserts that the herbicide poses no threat to humans and intends to continue monitoring the lake’s ecosystem. A follow-up study is anticipated within the next six months to a year.