Incidence of Zebra Mussel on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Structures
Abstract
Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are invasive/nuisance species first introduced into the Great Lakes region in the late 1980s.Since their introduction efforts have been underway to prevent and/or control their spread. Zebra mussel infestations can occur on sub-merged critical structure. For the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) it is essential that hydraulic infrastructure are effectively and efficiently maintained to ensure proper water control and navigation. A study was conducted to determine the extent of the zebra mussel invasion on USACE districts and the impact zebra mussels have on USACE infrastructure. Consistent with available U.S. Geo-logical Survey (USGS) data, it was found that zebra mussels are present within 24 of the 36 continental United States USACE district boundaries, although San Francisco and Galveston Districts have only isolated populations in non-USACE waters. Albuquerque and Omaha Districts appear to be the two districts most at risk for invasion. While infestations are common, 62 of the districts with USACE infested waters reported no or minimal impacts on the infrastructure or operation/maintenance costs. Those districts with impacts did not normally have cost figures readily available. It was also found that 12 districts have or have had zebra mussel monitoring programs in place.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 24, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1090789
Entities
People
- Abigail M Brake
- Irene E. Macallister
- K James Hay
- Rebekah C. Wilson
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory