Quagga Mussel Treatment is launched to Protect the Snake River

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) —On September 24, the Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) confirmed a small number of quagga mussel in the Snake River. On Tuesday, the ISDA will launch a 10-day treatment for quagga mussels, with treatment being downriver of Hansen Bridge to Centennial Water Front Park. River access is closed from Hansen Bridge to Yingst Grand.

The product being used is Natrix, the same product that was used to treat quagga mussels in 2023. It is a copper-based solution that significantly reduced the quagga mussel in the Snake River last year. The ISDA advises the public to stay out of the treatment area, from Hansen Bridge to Kanaka Rapid.

The upcoming treatment is part of a larger plan, with the second round of treatment scheduled in November target Quagga in still water and deep pools of the river

“This treatment plan reflects Idaho’s commitment to using every available tool to combat this threat,” said ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt. “By combining targeted treatments with ongoing monitoring, we are maximizing our efforts with the ultimate goal of eradication.”

Natrix is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for this use, and the treatment is being applied at one part per million, which is effective for eradication while remaining below drinking water standard for humans. The treatment is occurring across an eight-mile section, which is less than 1% of the Snake River.

The treatment is expected to dissipate to normal copper levels 18 miles downriver and will be monitored for the treatments effectiveness.

Quagga mussels spread rapidly and can clog pipes that deliver water for various uses. They can cause significant damage to infrastructure, costing hundreds of millions of dollars to repair.

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