B.C. fights mussels

Premier Christy Clark says a program to defend the province’s waterways from invasive mussels is being enhanced, with $2 million in funding from B.C. Hydro, FortisBC, Columbia Power and the Columbia River Basin.

Clark said no zebra or quagga mussels have been detected in B.C. waterways so far and the province wants to keep it that way with the addition of eight permanent inspection stations that will check boats and equipment.

The invasive species pose a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems, salmon populations, hydro power stations and other facilities.