Recreation

Quagga/Zebra Mussel Prevention Program

*2009 Update*

Thank you for taking a moment to learn about invasive aquatic species and EBMUD’s related prevention programs. Quagga and Zebra Mussels are invasive, non-native mollusks that have been discovered recently in some California waters. State officials say the spread of the mussels threatens water delivery systems, hydroelectric facilities, agriculture, recreational boating and fishing, and aquatic ecosystems across the state.

EBMUD has recently undertaken research to determine just how vulnerable its waterways are to these invaders. Scientific consultants have completed the first phase of an examination of the water chemistry and conditions at Pardee, Camanche, San Pablo, Lafayette, Briones, Upper San Leandro and Chabot Reservoirs. This information, combined with up to date information about the life cycle and survivability of invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species, has allowed EBMUD to adjust the prevention program for 2009 based on relative risk and cost factors at the respective reservoirs. In general, the reservoirs in the foothills (Pardee and Camanche) are less vulnerable to mussel infestation than are the reservoirs in the East Bay. Consequently, the physical inspection program at the foothill reservoirs will be reduced. The physical inspection process at the East Bay reservoirs will remain at 100% of incoming vessels. An explanation of the Vessel Inspection Program follows.

Vessel Inspection Program

EBMUD’s Vessel Inspection Program is comprised of two parts- the Vessel History Survey portion and the Physical Vessel Inspection portion. Your vessel must pass all elements of both parts of the program before it can legally be launched in EBMUD reservoirs.

Vessel History Survey- If your vessel is coming from an area of high risk it will not be allowed to launch in EBMUD reservoirs. Vessels will fail the Vessel History Survey and not be allowed to launch for the following reasons:

The vessel comes from high risk area. High risk areas are defined as the general areas where positive identification of one of the mussel species has been documented. At this time, this includes San Benito County, all counties of Southern California and all vessels from outside of California. County of origin is determined by vessel registration documents.
Vessels having been launched on waters in the high risk areas (see above) within the prior 30 days will also not be allowed to launch.
Boat operator fails to comply with any aspect of the inspection process.

The list of areas deemed as high risk will change over time as new detections of mussels are made. If your vessel does not pass the Vessel History Survey and you wish to find out about how you may be able to launch in the future, contact the management at one of the reservoirs to find out if vessel cleaning and a 30 day quarantine program is available. Vessels passing the Vessel History Survey will then normally progress the Physical Vessel Inspection.

Physical Vessel Inspection- If your boat is coming in to one of EBMUD’s reservoirs it may be subject to physical inspection prior to being authorized to launch. Inspections are performed by qualified EBMUD staff and take approximately 5 minutes to complete. Vessels will fail the Physical Vessel Inspection and not be allowed to launch for the following reasons:

Standing water is found in live wells, bait wells, bilge areas, any container possessing live bait, or any other portions of a vessel.
Water drains out of an engine when outboard motor or out-drive is lowered into the vertical position.
Vessel is found to have mussels or other aquatic invasive species attached to some portion of the vessel. Department of Fish & Game will be notified if Quagga or Zebra Mussels are suspected.
Boat operator fails to comply with any aspect of the inspection process.

To help expedite the vessel inspection process, you can print and complete a vessel inspection form prior to your arrival.

Vessel Inspection Seal Program

Vessels leaving the launch ramp or gate may elect to have a Vessel Inspection Seal placed on their vessel. This seal will allow them to re-enter any EBMUD reservoir without having an additional Physical Vessel Inspection. However, some vessel/trailer configurations preclude the proper placement of the seal. Additionally, in some instances a qualified inspector will not be available at the time of departure. In these events, the vessel will need to be re-inspected upon re-entry. Vessels arriving at the launch ramp or gate with a properly installed Vessel Inspection Seal will still need to complete a Vessel History Survey but will not need a new Physical Vessel Inspection.

EBMUD is asking all boaters to follow the California Department of Fish and Game guidelines for mussel prevention.

How Boaters Can Help (excerpts from DF&G)

Boaters should check their boat, trailer and vehicle every time a boat is taken out of the water.

Inspect all exposed surfaces (vehicle, trailer, anchor, dock lines, live wells, bilge, motor, hull, trailer axle and rollers). Small mussels feel like sandpaper and are invisible to the eye.
Wash the hull of each watercraft thoroughly (steam clean if possible).
Remove all debris, plant and animal material.
Drain all water and dry all areas.
Drain and dry the lower outboard unit.
Clean and dry all live-wells.
Empty and dry any buckets.
Dispose of all bait in the trash.
Wait five days and keep watercraft dry between launches into different fresh waters.

EBMUD Staff Recommends:

Learn about quagga mussels, zebra mussels and other invasive aquatic species and how to prevent their spread.

Do not put your boat into waters that are inhabited or are at high risk of inhabitation. These areas include: Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, Lake Mojave, Lake Skinner, Copper Basin Reservoir, San Justo Reservoir, San Benito County, and California counties south of the Tehachapi Mountains, or any waters outside of California. Note that this list is growing as we learn more.
Maintain a clean and dry boat inside and out! This includes all bilges, tanks, water pipes, trailers and accessories.
Allow extra time when you visit EBMUD reservoirs to allow for staff to inspect all boats for invasive species and standing water.
Boats failing inspection will be turned away.

Thank you for your vigilance, support and patience in keeping our waters free of invasive mussels.