Goats get a green light

They're back, they're hungry and they are here to stay.

Those pygmy goats you saw the last couple years grazing at Coeur d'Alene well sites have returned for another weed-eating summer. And they'll be back again next year, thanks to the official approval of the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. DEQ green-lighted the city's pilot program following a study last summer showing the goats have no negative impact on water quality.

"The goats are the best solution for weed control," said Dion Holton, utility supervisor with the city's Water Department. "They're inexpensive, low maintenance and extremely effective."

Traditional weed control like fabric and stone didn't prevent the weeds from growing. Hand-pulling them was too time consuming and took personnel away from operating the water system. Herbicides were expensive and not a good option for the drinking well sites. The goats presented a "green" solution, Holton said.

The goats move in herds of about 30 from site to site after they've eaten all of the weeds. It costs the city $300 a site.

The city rents the goats from Green Goat Rentals in Hayden. The business moves the goats and waters them. The city is responsible for fencing them in at each site, where they live 24-7 until they are moved. Other than that, there isn't much more involved.

"As a department we are always looking for innovative solutions," said Jim Markley, water superintendent. "The goats definitely fit the bill."

This week the goats can be spotted at the Prairie well on Wilbur Avenue.