The Utah Department of Natural Resources has issued a notice letting boaters know of the increasing threat from the invasive Quagga Mussels. The State has increased inspections on Boats coming out of Lake Powell but during second inspections at Jordanelle and Deer Creek Reservoirs, they’ve discovered contaminated boats. Carolyn Murray has this:Quagga Mussels attach to hulls, anchors and ropes but they also invade the boat’s engine systems. They cost millions of dollars to contain, they damage boats and equipment and they pollute beaches and shorelines.
The Aquatic Invasive Species Inspectors have evaluated 47,000 boats leaving Lake Powell so far this summer. They have decontaminated 3100. In 2017, they had to decontaminate just 2500 boats out of 51,000 inspections.
The mussels are floating freely and are prevalent in Lake Powell due to the low water levels. The bottom of the lake is covered with them as are the beaches so it’s easy for boats and equipment to become contaminated.
The mussels can loosen during travel and AIS Inspectors have found, during second inspections, 120 contaminated boats that were launching into the Jordanelle and Deer Creek Reservoirs. This is a big concern for the Department of Natural Resources because the reservoirs supply drinking water to the Wasatch Front.
There’s potential to be charged for mussel-related offenses and that can range from an infraction to a Class C misdemeanor. Contaminated boats can be seized and quarantined. So far this summer, they’ve quarantined more than a hundred boats compared to 10 in all of 2017.
If you own a boat or want more information on Quagga Mussels, go to stdofthesea.utah.gov.