3 days ago
Rep. Josh Harder announces legislation to stop invasion of 'stinky' golden mussels
( — A single female mussel can produce up to one million offspring a year, and in some river systems, they have the spread of up to 150 miles per year on average, according to the Nevada Irrigation District.
Democratic Representative Josh Harder introduced legislation with members of the Delta Delegation to stop the exploding invasion of golden mussels appearing in parts of Northern California cities.
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The golden mussels are a razor-sharp invasive species that spits sludge, emits a rotting odor, and destroys the ecosystems and water infrastructure, according to Kevin Winslow, Communications Director at the U.S. House of Representatives.
'Don't let the name fool you, these golden mussels are sharp, slimy, and stinking invaders that clog our waterways with sludge and threaten our fragile Delta ecosystems. We need to act now to stop their advance,' said Harder. 'This bill protects our waterways and our Delta economy by jumpstarting eradication efforts right now, not when it's far too late.'
If the golden mussels are left unchecked, the infestation could be a threat to the water supplies that 27 million Californians rely on, along with the $50 billion in agriculture, Winslow stated.
The first sighting of the golden mussels was near the Port of Stockton in October of 2024, and the infestation now ranges as far south as Kern County, according to Winslow.
Lake Tahoe inspectors find golden mussels in a boat in Alpine Meadows
Just most recently, on May 30, Lake Tahoe watercraft inspectors identified highly invasive golden mussels on a boat at the Alpine Meadows inspection station.
Authorities stated that the Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act fights the invasion by developing new eradication efforts in the valley.
Here's how the act gets the job done:
Deploys a rapid response program to monitor, contain, and begin eradicating the current infestation.
Invests in new technology and inspection stations to speed up local eradication efforts.
Increases state, local, and federal coordination through a comprehensive report on best practices and new guidance on golden mussel prevention.
The Golden Mussel Eradication and Control Act has been endorsed by the Delta Continues Coalition, which is made up of county supervisors from Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo Counties.
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