Ohio River Endangered Mussels

[The Patriot]

According to the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society 300 species of mussels once inhabited North America. Of those 300 mussel varieties, 38 species are now extinct and 77 species are critically impaired. Twenty-seven different species of freshwater mussels are known to exist immediately below the RC Byrd Lock and Dam including federally endangered species.With an average of nearly 90,000 cubic yards of dredge material annually, channel maintenance needs at RC Byrd Locks and Dam far exceed average Ohio River navigation projects. Due to significant sedimentation below the project, presence of endangered mussels, and the importance of the RC Byrd navigation mission, dredging and disposal operations at RC Byrd require continued scrutiny in order to best meet objectives.

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