New Hill, N.C. — A two-year study focusing on the treatment of the aquatic weed, Hydrilla, is under way at Harris Lake in New Hill, officials tell WRAL News.

North Carolina State University plans to test registered mixtures of chemicals by spraying a 45-acre parcel at the lake.

Dr. Rob Richardson said the goal of the study is to see if a combination of chemicals will work better than using each product on its own.

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, Hydrilla "chokes waterways (and) grows into a thick layer at or near the surface, shutting out light underneath."

Richardson said he does not expect any fish kills or other vegetation to be seriously impacted by the study.