Boat inspections planned on I-5

[Bruce Moore]

WDFW NEWS RELEASE

September 18, 2009
Contacts: Sgt. Eric Anderson, (360) 902-2426
Allen Pleus, (360) 902-2724

Boat inspections planned on I-5
to stop aquatic invasive species

OLYMPIA - As part of an ongoing effort to keep aquatic invasive species out of Washington waters, all northbound vehicles transporting watercraft past the Ridgefield weigh station on Interstate 5 will be required to stop for an inspection Friday, Sept. 25.

The mandatory inspections, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is the latest in a series of more than two-dozen check stations for aquatic invasive species planned by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) around the state this year.

Sgt. Eric Anderson, WDFW enforcement coordinator for the program, said signs will be posted notifying motorists of the inspection at the weigh station at Milepost 18, a key entry point for out-of-state boaters.

The inspections can usually be completed in 10 minutes, Anderson said. But failure to stop for an inspection can result in a citation.

More information on aquatic invasive species is available on WDFW's website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/ans/index.htm

 

[Stella Maris]

Since the Zebra mussels have spread to Lake Mead and Mohave, California and Idaho both have inspection stations set up at the state lines with Nevada. If it is found that you have mussels on board in the Lake Tahoe region, they will impound your boat!

Lake Powell also has inspections set up for all vessels entering there. They have a wash down area for boats that are found to contain the mussels.

I found it interesting that while transporting Solitude to the the PNW, the bilge or no area of the boat that could contain water was inspected. The hull was gone over by two gentlemen with their hands "feeling" for mussels. Since we do not want to be the one that moves these pests from one location to the next, we always flush the motor, air conditioner, head, and fresh water wash down after use. I cannot say that this did not give me any grief though while I stood by and watch the two inspectors. I could not imagine what they would have done if they had gone on board and saw water in the the intake for the motor......

We must all be conscience's when transporting our vessels from one location to the next. It is amazing to see the sheer number of these mussels that have already spread in Lake Mead. As the water drops, it exposes thousands of these pests attached to rocks or whatever they can find to attach themselves too.

 

[Portugeezer]

This problem presents a new challenge for me as I prepare to set off on the road to bring home "TBA", my R21-EC. Before I return from South Dakota, how should I proceed with the decontamination procedure? I assume a wand type of car wash will work adequately on boat hull and trailer, but what else could I do?

John

 

[Stella Maris]

John,
Make sure that you drain any visible water from the boat. Whether this be in the raw water intake system for cooling the motor or in the bilge area. This was an area of concern for me as Solitude was being "inspected" at the Idaho border as there was a small amount of water in the bilge.

Also be sure that any and all mud or plant life has been removed from the boat and trailer. You are correct that a wand type car wash would work.

Bottom line, make sure the boat is clean. Rub your hand along the hull. It should be smooth. If it is rough, this could be an indication of mussels.

Last but not least, while Solitude was being inspected, I asked one of the gentlemen what happens to boaters that choose to drive by. He remarked that there was nothing that could be done. You will have to make the decision as to whether or not you stop if in fact Idaho has an inspection station set up. I am not sure what Montana would do if they have an inspection station. Washington did not at the time that I came in.

Good luck with your trip home, enjoy your new boat. (Don't forget to mark your calendar for next years rendezvous, Sept 10th through the 12th in Bremerton.