Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring for the Boundary Hydroelectric Project

In addition to ensuring compliance with state and federal water quality standards, this program aims to protect aquatic ecosystems and provide early detection of invasive species that have the potential to cause disruptions to hydropower operation by clogging and “fouling” infrastructure. Assessing the vulnerability of the Boundary Reservoir and associated Project infrastructure to invasive mussels will prepare site managers for anticipated costs and provide an opportunity to work toward mitigating those costs through basin-wide coordination of early detection monitoring, long-term capital planning, and inclusion of mitigation and prevention measures in future builds, retrofits or upgrades to the Project, rather than through expensive and disruptive emergency response actions.

ESA is implementing the Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Plan, including early detection monitoring for invasive mussels (zebra, quagga, and golden) and New Zealand mudsnails, in coordination with Portland State University. Monitoring incorporates a variety of tools including eDNA for qPCR and metabarcoding analysis. In addition, ESA assesses and manages invasive aquatic vegetation, including Eurasian watermilfoil and flowering rush, and develops control strategies and bid specifications to support ongoing management efforts.

ESA is evaluating the vulnerability of the reservoir and Project infrastructure to establishment of invasive mussels using key water quality criteria: dissolved calcium, pH, water temperature, and food availability.