Zebra Mussels are a nonnative nuisance aquatic species which infest Lake Champlain and threaten other lakes in Vermont and New York, including Lake Bomoseen, where a few were recently discovered. Two towns in the Basin are using an innovative technology to combat the damage these mussels do to water intake and outtake pipes. Produced by Sparktec Environmental, this technology augments or replaces chemical technologies by emitting an electronic pulse in water pipes which discourages the settlement of zebra mussels. Rouse's Point, New York and Vergennes/Panton Vermont are using this technology. To Read More About Zebra Mussels... Sparktec Environmental The Zebra Mussel Page Zebra Mussels in Vermont (VT DEC) Western Zebra Mussel Task Force Exotic Species in the Great Lakes Region Prevent the Spread of Zebra Mussels and Other Exotic Species Each time a boat or other item is used in water bodies infested by zebra mussels or other nuisance aquatic species, the boat, trailer, and equipment should be carefully inspected for evidence of these species. Remove any mussels or vegetation and dispose of them in the trash. Drain all water from the boat, including the bilge, live well, and engine cooling system. Dry the boat and trailer in the sun for at least five days, or if you use your boat sooner, rinse off the boat, trailer, anchor, anchor line, bumpers, engine, etc. with hot water or at a car wash. Leave live aquatic bait and bait used in infested waters behind- either give it to someone using the same water body, or discard it in the trash. When recreating in areas infested with Eurasian watermilfoil, be careful not to break apart the plant since milfoil spreads by plant fragments. Contact the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, the Lake Champlain Basin Program, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to find out how to become involved in monitoring and outreach activities to help prevent the spread of nuisance nonnative aquatic species in the Lake Champlain Basin.

The Extent of Zebra Mussels in 1999

PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed on WPTZ NEWS CHANNEL 5's series "Champlain 2000" do not necessarily reflect the position of the Lake Champlain Basin Program or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Send questions or comments on this web site to Nicole L. Ballinger at the LCBP.
Last Updated: January 24, 2000