Muscling out the mussels

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/article/20101221/NEWS01/712219914#muscling-out-the-mussels

Published Tuesday December 21, 2010

Photo: http://www.omaha.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=OW&Date=20101221&Category=NEWS01&ArtNo=712219914&Ref=AR&maxw=490&maxh=275
Frozen fish at Zorinsky Lake are one result of lowering the water level 10 feet in an effort to expose and asphyxiate the zebra mussels. KENT SIEVERS/THE WORLD-HERALD


Zorinsky Lake will look less picturesque for much of 2011, as the government plans to drain an additional 10 feet from the reservoir in an aggressive effort to stem the spread of a marauding mussel.

Officials have already lowered the lake's water level by 10 feet to expose — thus freezing and asphyxiating — what's commonly known as the zebra mussel. Scattered picnic tables, tires and plenty of mud have been left behind.

But authorities pray they can kill most of whatever mussels are left by lowering the lake more and then using a common chemical to poison the lake as part of a plan to selectively restock it.

“If this works, we're heroes. If it doesn't, it will have been an interesting science project,” one city official said.

Experts dread the tiny mollusk for its ability to destroy aquatic ecosystems and cause millions of dollars in damage to public infrastructure by clogging power plant and water system pipes. An Omaha Boy Scout discovered the mussel, prevalent in many lakes around the country, on a discarded beer can at Zorinsky Lake last month, sparking a frantic response by local authorities.

The Army Corps of Engineers and other government agencies unveiled their plan to combat the mussel at a public forum Monday. Roughly 50 residents, anglers and concerned citizens gathered at Montclair Recreation Center for the session, which included break-out sessions for more individualized conversations.

FULL story and more photos at link.