TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Ryan J. Alsop, Chief Executive Officer
REPORT BY: Thomas C. Zeleny, Chief Deputy County Counsel
SUBJECT: Introduction of Ordinance Adding Chapter 6.02 to the Napa County Code Authorizing Inspections of Watercraft for Invasive Mussels at Lake Berryessa
RECOMMENDATION
title
Introduction and intent to adopt an Ordinance adding Chapter 6.02 to the Napa County Code authorizing inspections of watercraft for invasive mussels at Lake Berryessa. (No Fiscal Impact; Discretionary)
body
BACKGROUND
Fresh-water mussels, such as Quagga, Zebra, and Golden Mussels, are invasive species that reproduce prolifically, capable of rapidly colonizing and clogging water infrastructure as well as altering the aquatic environment by removing phytoplankton and displacing native species. Invasive mussels can inadvertently be introduced into new water bodies by boats which are used in infested waterways, then trailered and launched into pristine lakes or reservoirs without being adequately cleaned and dried. Invasive mussels are not known to inhabit Lake Berryessa, but there are other water bodies within a one-hour drive of Lake Berryessa known to be infested with invasive mussels. Invasive adult mussels can survive for up to thirty days out of water under ideal conditions, and their larvae can survive for approximately the same amount of time in small amounts of water left inside a boat or trailer. Invasive mussels are difficult to eradicate once they are established and are best managed by preventing their introduction in the first place.
Napa County is engaged in projects to increase recreational opportunities at Lake Berryessa through an agreement with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), which will lead to more recreational boating at the lake. The County is currently operating 2 resort areas under interim concession contracts, while the BOR is operating other recreational areas with boat launches. With the recent discovery of Golden Mussels in the Delta, motorized watercraft are not allowed to launch into Lake Berryessa without a seal or tag showing the watercraft has been inspected and decontaminated or has completed a 30-day quarantine period. Details about this mussel-prevention program can be found on the Solano County Water Agency’s website at this link:
https://scwa2.com/lake-berryessa-mussel-prevention-program/
The proposed ordinance builds on this program by codifying the authority of County employees, Sheriff Deputies, concessionaires, and others to stop and inspect watercraft launching at Lake Berryessa to confirm mussel tags are present and valid, look for evidence of mussels, and prevent launching of any watercraft that does not pass inspection. While non-motorized watercraft such as canoes or rowboats are generally not subject to decontamination or quarantine, the proposed ordinance authorizes inspections of such watercraft too, just in case inspectors notice anything of concern. Launching a motorized watercraft without a valid mussel inspection tag or from a location other than a designated boat launch at a recreational area, or launching any watercraft after it fails inspection, will all be infractions. Engaging in such conduct with the intent to evade inspection will be a misdemeanor.
At the County-managed resort areas, the concessionaires are paid by the Solano County Water Agency to inspect and tag watercraft entering and leaving Lake Berryessa. Decontamination is not performed at any of the County-managed resort areas. Decontamination is available by appointment at the BOR-managed sites.
Procedural Requirements:
1. Open Public Hearing
2. Staff Report
3. Public Comment
4. Close Public Hearing
5. Motion, second, discussion, and vote on the proposed Ordinance
Recommended Action:
Approve the introduction and intent to adopt an Ordinance adding Chapter 6.02 to the Napa County Code authorizing inspections of watercraft for invasive mussels at Lake Berryessa.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
|
Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
|
Is it currently budgeted? |
No |
|
Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
|
Discretionary Justification: |
Enhances efforts to keep invasive mussels out of Lake Berryessa. |
|
Is the general fund affected? |
No |
|
Future fiscal impact: |
None |
|
Consequences if not approved: |
Efforts to keep invasive mussels out of Lake Berryessa may be less effective. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: This proposed activity is categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15301, as the operation of existing public facilities involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.