Lake County”s new mussel inspection program will be tested this month when two huge bass tournaments are held on the lake. On April 12-13, WON BASS will hold a pro/am tournament expected to draw more than 100 boats, and right on the heels of that tournament is the FLW-Outdoors tournament, one that could draw as many as 200 boats. Some of the boats will be coming from areas infested with quagga mussels.
Lake County starts its inspections April 8. The program requires all boats entering the county to be inspected. Inspectors will be looking for the adult mussels as well as their larva (called veligers).
Deputy Director of Public Works Water Resources Pamela Francis said that with the cooperation of the boaters the inspections will be conducted quickly and with as little pain as possible.
“We are asking the boaters to be patient and to assist us by having their boats clean and dry prior to being inspected,” Francis said.
Francis has provided the following questions and answers to help educate boaters about the new program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How serious is the threat of invasive mussels such as zebra or quagga mussels?
A: The zebra mussel and its close cousin, the quagga mussel, have become the most serious non-native biofouling pest to be introduced into North American fresh waters. An infestation causes mussel colonies to form on all surfaces including boats, engines, buoys, pipes, water intakes, ladders, beaches, native shellfish, adversely affecting anyone who uses the lakes.
The most serious economic impacts are sustained by water districts and other users of lake water who may have increased maintenance costs due to plugged water pipes, intake screens, and possible damage to pumps and other equipment. It even impacts citizens who don”t use the lakes through increased costs for drinking water and food prices passed along to consumers by the water and agriculture industries brought on by their increased costs in maintenance and equipment repair. It impacts the local fisheries, and, in some lakes, has caused a collapse in the populations of sports fish.
These mussels have the ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions and are extremely adaptable. Once they have infected a water body, they cannot be eradicated. They have no native predators. They cannot be prevented from spreading into downstream waters.
Q: Why did the Board of Supervisors enact this inspection ordinance?
A: These invasive mussels were introduced into the United States in 1988 in Lake St. Clair near Detroit, Michigan. The zebra mussel was believed to be released into the Great Lakes Region from the emptying of ballast water from a Eurasian vessel. Although they have been in the United States for 20 years, the zebra and quagga mussels are new to California. These mussels were first discovered in Lake Mead in January 2007, and quickly spread downstream into Lake Havasu, Lake Mohave and then into Southern California via the aqueduct system. Since so many boaters come to Lake County from that region, the Lake County Board of Supervisors approved an urgency ordinance on March 25, 2008, to protect the water bodies of Lake County from this significant and imminent threat posed by invasive quagga and zebra mussel infestation that can be spread inadvertently through recreational boating.
Q: Have any lakes in California been infected with these mussels?
A: Yes. Lakes throughout the state are constantly being monitored, but as of April 1, 2008, 18 California water bodies have been infected. Some of them have been closed to boating traffic.
Q: How do I know if my boat needs to be inspected?
A: All boats and equipment must undergo an inspection process prior to launching in Lake County waters.
Q: How do I get an inspection sticker if I am a local resident with local boats?
A: The ordinance has a program for local residents to help simplify the inspection process to qualify for a sticker. A call-in screening process — effective April 8 through June 30, 2008 — is offered to determine if a more rigorous physical inspection is required. This is applicable to Lake County residents who own or operate registered or unregistered vessels located in Lake County.
This special program will enable residents to obtain an inspection sticker at no cost beginning April 8 through June 30, 2008. The eligibility for an inspection sticker will be determined through a simple call-in process, designed to make it convenient for local residents to obtain a sticker. As part of this call-in process, every resident who owns a vessel will be asked a few simple questions and then will be asked to complete, sign, and return an affidavit agreeing to comply with the clean-vessel policy. Once the signed affidavit is received, the inspection sticker will be issued.
Beginning April 8 through June 30, local residents may participate in the call-in screening process by calling one of the following locations:
— Lake County Visitor Center, 274-5652; Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
— Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce, 994-3600; Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce, 263-5092; Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Q: How do I get an inspection sticker if I am a bringing a boat in from outside of Lake County?
A: Owner/operators must have their vessels inspected in order to obtain a sticker. Contact staff at your lodging establishment to determine if they offer a courtesy boat inspection. If not, they can direct you to the nearest boat inspection location and the hours of operation. Additional locations are frequently updated on the Lake County Mussel hotline (707) 263-2556 and Lake County Mussel Web site: www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels.
Q: When does the inspection program begin?
A: The program for local residents and non-local boats begins April 8, 2008. To reduce waiting times, local residents are being encouraged to delay obtaining the stickers until they plan to launch their boats, but before June 30, 2008, when the free interim program ends.
Q: How much does it cost to get an inspection sticker?
A: During this interim phase, from April 8 through June 30, the inspections and inspection stickers are free.
Q: What types of water vessels require inspection?
A: All registered and unregistered vessels are required to have an inspection sticker. This includes motorized and non-motorized vessels such as power boats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, jet skis, inflatable rafts, float tubes, and other towables and water-related equipment.
Q: What is the penalty for launching a boat without a sticker?
A: Violations of this law may be treated as an infraction, misdemeanor, and even a pubic nuisance. This means a violator faces monetary penalties, the possible impoundment of his/her vessel, and in some cases, incarceration in the Lake County Jail.
Q: My patio boat has been in the waters of Clear Lake for years, do I need to pull it out and have it inspected?
A: Probably not. This will be determined through the call-in process.
Q: Where will the inspection stations be located?
A: Out-of-county boat owners that require inspection can contact staff at their place of lodging to request a courtesy boat inspection or for a current list of boat inspection locations. Call the Lake County Mussel Hotline at (707) 263-2556 or go online to: www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels. Local residents begin the phone-in process to determine if further inspection is required.
Q: Will the inspection stations be manned 24 hours per day?
A: No. However, staff at several local lodging establishments may be able to offer assistance to their guests.
Q: How long will the inspection take?
A: It varies depending on how the boat has been operated in the past 30 days, and how diligent the owner/operator was in cleaning, draining, and drying when exiting the previous water body. Owners/operators can streamline the process by saving receipts or certificates documenting recent cleanings/and-or inspections.
Q: What parts of the boat and trailer will be inspected?
A: This depends on the risk factors, but all parts of the boat must be cleaned, drained and dry. This includes livewells, bait wells, bilges, and areas likely to contain water. If the boat is determined to be a higher-risk vessel, a thorough boat and trailer inspection may be necessary.
Q: Will I be required to remove panels and floor boards from my boat during the inspection?
A: The bilges, livewells, bait wells, and any other areas that collect water MUST be cleaned, drained and dry. The inspector must be able to ensure this.
Q: What is the cost of the inspection?
A: During the interim phase of the program, there is no cost.
Q: Where will the sticker be attached?
A: For registered vessels, the sticker should be affixed on the port (or left) side of the boat, 6 inches in front of the registration number. For unregistered vessels such as kayaks or canoes, the sticker should be affixed in a prominent location toward the front of the boat. Vessels with special requirements will be instructed as to acceptable alternate display locations.
Q: How long is the sticker valid?
A: Inspection stickers are valid through December 31, 2008.
Q: Must a boat be re-inspected every time it enters Lake County?
A: Yes.
Q: What are the fines if I am cited for not having a valid sticker?
A: Penalties are administered in relation to the offense. Fines begin at $100 although administrative penalties plus a misdemeanor can be charged on the first offense.
Q: If it is determined that my boat must be decontaminated, where do I go?
A: Currently, there are no decontamination facilities in Lake County. Local decontamination stations will be available in early July. The inspector will make a determination on the extent of decontamination needed for the boat to pass inspection. If the level of decontamination needed exceeds what can be done through recommended procedures, the boat may not be launched in Lake County.
Q: What does decontamination of my boat consist of and what is the cost?
A: The decontamination process includes power washing with very hot water, flushing of the motor cooling system, draining and drying of any standing water including bilges, ballasts, and bait wells, etc. Further details may be accessed online at www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels.
Q: Are Lake County boat owners required to have an inspection sticker?
A: Yes.
Q: If my boat has never left Lake County, will it have to be inspected?
A: An inspection sticker is required and can be obtained through the call-in process.
Q: If I am a Lake County resident and I take my boat out of the county must it be inspected upon my return?
A: Yes.
Q: Will I be allowed to release live minnows and other live bait in the water when I am done fishing?
A: No. Disposal of live bait and bait water is strictly prohibited.
Q: What do I do if I see someone ready to launch without a sticker?
A: Call the Lake County Mussel Hotline at (707) 263-2556. If possible, please note the boat CF# and/or vessel description.
Q: Where can I obtain more information about the inspection program?
A: Call the Lake County Mussel Hotline at (707) 263-2556 or go online to: www.co.lake.ca.us/mussels.
