DWR Wants to Outlaw the Transfer of Mussels

None by Eric Ray

Invasive mussels, capable of clogging water supply systems and competing with fish for food, have already invaded Lake Mead and the fear is they are also in Lake Powell. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is asking lawmakers to help them slow the spread of the mussels through a measure that makes it a Class A misdemeanor to transport a vehicle from infected waters without first disinfecting it.

Senate Bill 238 also gives the DWR the authority to set up checkpoints and detain any vessels suspected of containing the mussels.

The program would cost $168,000 to implement, which DWR officials say comes from a reprioritization of the division's enforcement efforts. The bill passed a Senate committee unanimously this morning and goes to the full Senate.

 

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2008 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2009 KCPW