State Looks to Extend Rules on Invasive Mussels

HOUSTON (AP) _ Texas wildlife officials want to extend emergency rules designed to prevent a destructive mussel from continuing an invasive march through the state’s waterways.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said Monday the zebra mussel presents “an immediate danger” to wildlife.

The mussel is a small non-native shellfish that has wreaked havoc in the Great Lakes and several rivers, including the Mississippi and Hudson.

Studies find power companies in the Great Lakes region can spend $130 million annually to remove the mussels from electric plants. Texas officials fear the shellfish will clog water treatment intake pipes.

The TPWD says the mussels were found in mid-July in two waterways. The new rules require boat owners to take special measures and limit the type of bait to be used in some waterways.

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