An early infestation of the aggressive aquatic weed hydrilla has been found in several locations around Crazy Horse Marina on the Franklin County side of Smith Mountain Lake, raising concern it could spread and negatively impact boating on the lake.

For that reason, the Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission will spend $72,000 to treat that portion of the lake with herbicide to kill the pesky weed. Homeowners in that area are being warned not to use lake water to irrigate their gardens -- or it could kill their plants.

TLAC assures that the herbicide won’t harm swimmers or fish. The chemical treatment will begin Aug. 23 and will continue for four to six weeks.

Hydrilla grows as long as 25 feet, typically in thick stands in fresh and brackish water. It infests all Southern states, most of the mid-Atlantic and has been found in some Western States. Unchecked, it can severely impact boating, fishing and swimming.