Governor Signs ACWA-Sponsored Bill on Quagga Mussels

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - Sep 27, 2011) - Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Executive Director Timothy Quinn issued the following statement on the signing of ACWA-sponsored legislation to combat the spread of quagga mussels. SB 215 by Sen. Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) extends the sunset of the successful mussel inspection program led by the Department of Fish and Game and the Department of Food and Agriculture.

"We are pleased that Governor Brown and the Legislature recognized the importance of continuing this aggressive program to combat the spread of invasive quagga mussels. This prolific, non-native species multiplies very quickly, has no known predators and can quickly colonize new waterways. Once they infest a water body, they cover piers, boat launches, and water intake facilities. There is no effective eradication method, and the cost to manually remove these mussels from water intake screens and pipes is millions of dollars per year for state and local water systems.

"While California is clearly in a difficult budget year, ACWA commends the Governor and Legislature for recognizing that a short-term investment is worth the cost to help avoid a long-term serious infestation of state and local water bodies that could cost billions of dollars in damage and repair costs. SB 215 will ensure that the current and effective efforts continue uninterrupted."

More on SB 215 can be found at http://www.acwa.com/news/endangered-and-invasive-species/governor-signs-acwa-sponsored-bill-quagga-mussels.

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 450 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.