LAKE TAHOE and#8212; The California State Water Resources Control Board has approved a proposal by the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board that would allow the use of aquatic pesticides at Lake Tahoe under certain circumstances.

On Tuesday, the board unanimously approved the amendment to the regional boardand#8217;s Basin Plan. The amendment allows aquatic pesticides to be used for projects related to public health and ecological preservation.

Aquatic pesticides have been eyed as one solution to Lake Tahoeand#8217;s aquatic invasive species issues. The regional boardand#8217;s existing plan effectively prohibits the use of the chemicals.

The proposal has been opposed by area environmental groups and water providers, who have raised concerns about the impacts of any pesticide use on wildlife and water supplies.

The stateand#8217;s Office of Administrative Law and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will need to approve the amendment before it can go into effect.