Gavins Point Dam removes 34 tons of invasive zebra mussels

Maintenance work conducted between August 3 and August 5 at the Gavins Point Dam on the Missouri River revealed the significant impact of invasive zebra mussels on the facility. During the process, officials removed more than 34 tons of zebra mussels and other debris from three intake gates.

While a single intake gate typically weighs approximately 40 tons, the weight of each gate increased to an average of 51 tons due to the accumulation of mussels, adding roughly 11 tons of extra load per gate.

Since their first appearance at the dam in late 2015, zebra mussels have become a major maintenance challenge. Beyond adding physical weight, these organisms enter raw water systems, pipes, and coolers, restricting water flow. This can lead to increased maintenance costs and unexpected shutdowns in power generation systems.

To manage the infestation, authorities utilize ultraviolet light and specialized chemical applications to control density within internal systems. However, because it is not possible to eliminate the mussels from the entire reservoir, regular physical cleaning of large equipment remains necessary. The issue persists across various water treatment and cooling infrastructures along the Missouri River.