Herbicides sprayed in Yakima River delta to combat noxious weeds

A helicopter delivers herbicides Tuesday in the Yakima River delta near the Columbia River to combat the spread of phragmites — noxious weeds also known as common reed.

Common reed causes problems because it forms dense, large stands, choking out other plants, lowering water quality and displacing water flows and wildlife, according to a news release. Public health can be threatened when dense stands prevent mosquito control staff from treating local waterways.

The spraying was a joint project of Benton County’s Conservation District and Noxious Weed Control Board.

This story was originally published June 24, 2015 at 6:18 PM with the headline "Herbicides sprayed in Yakima River delta to combat noxious weeds."