Navigation aids such as mooring bitts, buoys, trash booms, and ladders are susceptible to zebra mussel infestations. Large accumulations of mussels have been observed on buoys, cables, and chains. The extra weight and drag force can cause these devices to sink. Clusters of mussels may prevent free movement of floating bitts. The mussels may attach to either the submerged bitt elements or to the slot below lower pool. Because no large buildups of mussels are expected for elevations between lower and upper pool, the ladders should not be a problem area.
Towboat operators generally report actual sinking of buoys. Project operators should regularly observe the conditions of trash booms and similar floating devices. Buoys can be periodically removed and dried to eliminate accumulations. In heavily infested areas, diver inspections of cables may be warranted. Mooring bitts usually can be raised, tied off, and dried, thereby permitting removal by hosing or scraping. The bitts may be a suitable environment for testing protective coatings. Some Corps of Engineers Districts already have heaters on floating devices to prevent zebra mussel attachment.
Preventive Control Methods
Repellent Construction Materials
Reactive Control Methods