Officials: Treatment Kills Zebra Mussels In Twin Cities Lake

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- One-hundred percent of the zebra mussels in a 29-acre bay of a Chanhassen lake are dead just ten days after a chemical treatment was applied, according to officials with the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.

Fourteen juvenile zebra mussels were discovered in a Lake Minnewashta bay in August. The MCWD decided to treat the area with a copper-based chemical called Earth TecQZ, which was previously used in higher concentration in nearby Christmas Lake.

The chemical is said to specifically target zebra mussels, and is apparently not harmful to humans or other organisms in the lake.

Minnesota boaters are required to remove zebra mussels from their boats if they are spotted, as well as clean weeds and debris from their vessels every time they are removed from a lake.

Boats, baitwells and livewells must also be drained after each use, and drain plugs must be kept out while traveling. Boaters must also properly dispose of unused bait, as well as dry off docks, swim rafts, lifts and other boating equipment for at least 21 days before putting their boats in another lake.

Click here for more information on how to fight the spread of invasive species in Minnesota lakes.