Due to worries about an invasive mussel that was recently discovered in the Delta, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) declared on Friday that boat access to two of its reservoirs in the Sierra Foothills has been restricted.
The district’s main water source, Pardee Reservoir, will not open for boat launches in February as planned, according to officials. The Camanche Reservoir’s launches, which have been suspended since November, will remain suspended until further notice.
The reservoirs’ recreational amenities will continue to be accessible.
“Highly Invasive” Mussels
Originally from Southeast Asia, the golden mussel is considered “highly invasive.” EBMUD outlined the steps to stop its growth.
“The mussel has not been detected at EBMUD reservoirs, and this proactive measure is intended to protect the public water supply, infrastructure, recreation and natural resources,” the agency stated in a statement.
It is well known that the golden mussel may settle on hard surfaces, such water intakes. Additionally, mussels can harm machinery, such as boat motors, and clog pipelines.
The mussel is known to reproduce and mature quickly, to form dense colonies, and to eat a lot of microscopic plants and animals that sport fish and native species eat.
Worries About Spread
The first recorded sighting of golden mussels in North America was in the Port of Stockton, where the invasive mussel was found last fall, according to the California Department of Water Resources. Officials at the time stated that a ship coming from an overseas port was probably the source of the mussels.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) announced in a statement on October 31 that “golden mussels are likely to spread to other freshwater bodies in California, as well as to other ports and inland waters of North America, and abroad, if containment is not achieved.”
The mussels have been observed in other areas of the Delta, as well as the O’Neill Forebay and California Aqueduct west of Los Banos in Merced County, according to a map on the CDFW website.
Officials stated that although the mussels are native to China and Southeast Asia, they have been discovered in places such as Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong. The mussels have been discovered in South America, which includes Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.
In addition to the closures, the agency announced that it has started long-term risk assessments and operational plans to safeguard links between EBMUD and other systems, as well as boosting the frequency and locations of its water sampling at all seven of its reservoirs and nearby facilities.
According to officials, long-term campers who haven’t taken their boats out of EBMUD waters since 2024 are excluded from the closures, which apply to all boats, kayaks, canoes, and other vessels. There are still some boat rentals available through ExplorUS in the interim.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.