Vol. 15—1961 - NorthEastern Weed Science Society

phenols. While the possibility of Lake Hopatcong
water aCQuiring an objectionable taste or odor was not
considered to be important, this could be a serious
factor for lakes and impoundments used for water
supply.
In an attempt to evaluate this factor arrangements were·
made with the State Health Department to check for
phenols. Water samples were collected under a variety
of conditions, preserved with copper sulfate; and delivered
to the State Laboratory. None of these samples
was found to contain sufficient traces of phenols or
phenol derivatives to impart an objectionable taste to
drinking water.6/ However, samples collected and
analyzed by Dr.~.DoFaust at Rutgers University indicated
the presence of phenols in concentrations sufficient to
impart an objectionable taste to the water.lI In
support of this we have a few reliable reports from residents
at the lake who reported detecting a medicinal
odor in Hopatcong water used to make tea.
c. Affect on fish life:
fhere was no evidence of a single fish having been
killed as a result of the herbicide program. No
complaints were received of objectionable tastes in
the fish; a few fishermen cl~imed that fishing dropped
off for a time where the herbicides were introduced.
Two causes of concern are the possible effect on game
fish from the lowering of the lake and the destruction
of pickerel spawning habitat.
Evidence at Lake Muscoretcong and elsewhere suggest that a
properly conducted drawdown can actually improve fishing, especially
for yellow perch and pickerel. \"!hether or not the drawdown in Lake
Hopatcong will destroy too much pickerel spawning habitat has not
as yet been determined. Checks during the past summer revealed poor
Q7Personal communication from John J. Nelson, Chief, Bureau of
Chemistry, 3tate Department of Health. The Gibbs method was
employed in these analyses.
Personal communication from Dr. Faust, Department of Sanitation,
Rutgers University. It should be pointed out that the samples
collected for analyses by the State Department of Health and
Rutgers University were not collected simultaneously though under
essentiall Y. the same condi ti.o ns. _.__ --_~_~ _