The chemical of choice was initially antimycin because of its effectiveness and rapid break down. Unfortunately, antimycin is no longer available for use. Rotenone is currently used in the chemical treatment process. Rotenone is a naturally produced, biodegradable product obtained from the tropical cube root. In the concentrations used, it is not harmful to plants, birds or mammals, including humans.
Detoxification is by dilution and oxidation, or application of potassium permanganate.
Restocking can be done by backpack, horse, llama, airplane or helicopter. Backwaters and side pools are sprayed by hand in conjunction with the stream treatment. To verify the effectiveness of a treatment, it is repeated to ensure that no fish remain. If time allows, or if there is a possibility of eggs incubating in the gravels where they may survive the treatment, a period of several weeks or months is allowed before the final treatment. Detoxification can be done by dilution downstream or from a tributary or by the application of potassium permanganate at the lower end of the section.