Statesboro firm hired to clear river weeds

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Authorities say a Statesboro company will use herbicides to clear aquatic weeds — including one type of weed commonly used in tropical fish tanks — from the Savannah River.

The Augusta Chronicle reports that Southern Aquatic Services LLC of Statesboro was hired Thursday for the $15,000 project.

Authorities say the aquatic weeds have expanded rapidly in recent years and have become an impediment to navigation on the river. They include a species called elodea, which is used in tropical fish tanks.

The Army Corps of Engineers and other entities plan to lower the river a few feet to expose the weeds, so they can be treated.

Two other companies — NaturChem of Lexington S.C., and Estate Management Services of Brunswick — also submitted proposals for the project.

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Information from: The Augusta Chronicle , http://www.augustachronicle.com