Controversy Over Listing Mussels as Threatened or Endangered

On the recommendation of a panel of experts, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is proposing the listing of five additional river mussel species as threatened or endangered. In opposition are sand and gravel companies that dredge the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, permanently changing the rivers by creating holes 50 to 60 feet deep when the natural depth is only 8 to 10 feet. Mussels that are not scooped up with the sand and gravel cannot survive in the deep holes. PennDOT, which uses the aggregate for road and bridge construction, says the proposed listing would drive up its costs up by $5 to 6 million. Legislation introduced in the State Senate would prohibit such listings. A public hearing is being held in Kittanning this evening.

The riverbeds are not private resources but are owned by the people of Pennsylvania, says Doug Austen, Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission. Dredging companies must get permits from the Department of Environmental Protection, which limits dredging where listed species are present. Austen says there are still many areas in the rivers where dredging is allowed, and it's much better for all parties concerned if the state listing prevents a further decline in mussel populations that would provoke a federal listing.