House directs study of invasive quagga mussels

By STEVE TETREAULT STEPHENS WASHINGTOWN BUREAU

12 years ago

In this July 6, 2009 file photo, invasive quagga mussels cover this formerly sunken boat in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nev. (AP Photo/Felicia Fonseca, File)

Andrew Munoz, of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, holds up a rock covered with the invasive quagga mussels at Lake Mead National Recreation Area Monday, July 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Felicia Fonseca)

WASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday directed federal experts to devise new strategy to combat quagga mussels and other invasive species threatening the nation’s waterways, including Lake Mead.

A yearlong study was added to a water resources bill lawmakers passed 417-3.

The report by the Government Accountabilty Office would include how much has been spent already and the projected costs to fight aquatic pests.

In Southern Nevada, an infestation of thumbnail-sized quagga mussels has threatened Lake Mead, where the Bureau of Reclamation is spending nearly $1 million annually to keep them from clogging intake pipes at Hoover Dam

“A long-term strategy is essential to the protection of this critical water reservoir and prevention of the spread of invasives to other parts of our country,” said Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., one of five amendment co-sponsors.

Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com or 202-783-1760. Follow him on Twitter @STetreaultDC.