SALEM, Ore. — An aquatic weed capable of clogging irrigation canals and other waterways is spreading along the Columbia River while the federal government is grappling with regulatory hurdles to remove it.
The Capital Press reports that Flowering Rush was discovered along the Columbia River last year. The federal government removed some patches, but by the time the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had obtained approval under the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act to remove the weed it had spread to new sites, starting the approval process over again.
The rush is growing in portions of the river managed by different districts of the Army Corps. Each district must obtain clearance before removal.
Flowering rush has also been found on the Yakima River in Washington.
