Costs Associated with Invasive Mussels Impacts and Management

Abstract

Publication: Bureau of Reclamation

This report, published by the U.S. Department of the Interior in August 2021, examines the economic and environmental costs of invasive quagga and zebra mussels in the western United States. These mussels pose serious threats to hydropower infrastructure, aquatic ecosystems, and recreational water use. The study evaluates both the direct costs of control and prevention at hydropower facilities and the broader ecological and economic damages caused by infestations.

A key focus is on Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination (WID) stations, which are the primary line of defense against mussel spread. As of 2021, 422 WID stations operated across nine western states, with an average annual budget of approximately $1.6 million. Despite significant investments, infestations persist and often result in costly maintenance, equipment upgrades, and unplanned outages at hydropower plants. Surveyed facilities reported spending over $10 million in total on prevention and control efforts.

Beyond infrastructure, mussel infestations impact native species, water clarity, recreational activities, and property values. They contribute to harmful algal blooms and disrupt aquatic food webs. The report emphasizes the value of prevention and calls for improved tracking of control costs, expanded research on ecological impacts, and strategic funding to support aquatic invasive species programs across the region.