O’Neill, Jr., C. R., 1997.  "Economic Impact of Zebra Mussels -- Results of the 1995 National Zebra Mussel Information Clearinghouse Study",  New York Sea Grant Institute

Economic Impact of Zebra Mussels -- Results of the 1995 National Zebra Mussel Information Clearinghouse Study

INTRODUCTION:
Raw water-dependent infrastructure, including electric power generation stations, drinking water treatment plants, industrial facilities, navigation lock and dam structures, and other facilities throughout much of the eastern half of North America, have been significantly impacted by zebra mussels. While the mussel's physical impacts upon infrastructure are well known, their economic impacts are less understood. This study, undertaken by New York Sea Grant and the National Zebra Mussel Information Clearinghouse, addressed the economic impact of the zebra mussel. throughout its North American range, as well as regions proximate to that range but not yet known to be infested.

A detailed survey was mailed to a random sample totaling 766 infrastructure owners/operators throughout a 35 state /3 province range. From this mailing, 436 usable responses were received, a 56.92% return rate. Three hundred thirty nine facilities reported expending funds related to zebra mussel impacts (see Map). Information solicited included; facility type and location : source water body; degree of facility water use; types of zebra mussel-related impact mussel monitoring and control activities; and, 13 categories of zebra mussel-related annual costs from 1989 through 1995.

Three hundred thirty nine facilities reported total zebra mussel-related expenses of $69,070,780, with a minimum reported expenditure of $400, a maximum expenditure of $5,953,000, and a mean expenditure of $205,570 per facility (see Table and Figure 1). The big spender was nuclear power plants with a mean expenditure of $786,670 per facility, accounting for 26.2% of the total reported zebra mussel impact. Other major water user categories included; drinking water treatment facilities, with a mean expenditure of $214,360 (31.03% of total reported impact); fossil fuel electric generating facilities, with a mean expenditure of $145,620 per facility (16.02% of the total reported and, industrial facilities, with a mean expenditure of $167,030 per facility (8.46% of the total impacts; zebra reported impact). Total annual expenditures increased 1989($234,140) to 1995 (17,751,000) as the mussel's of North American range and the number of facilities affected increased.

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Contact: Local Sea Grant Communications Office
Keywords: Zebra_mussel, Ecological_interactions, Industry, Economic_Impacts
Product Type: Outreach, Impact
User Type: General