The district's initial Phase One treatment (March–April) achieved over 90% kill of golden mussels at a cost of approximately $3 million, with zero surviving adults found. Staff and consultant Dudek are recommending a Phase Two medium-dose treatment in September 2026, estimated at $1.7–$2 million. Treating in warmer water allows lower chemical concentrations because mussels are more active and absorb more copper. The board will be asked to consider formally approving funding after July. In the meantime, staff is monitoring settlement plates district-wide and will pivot to earlier treatment if mussel growth accelerates unexpectedly. The Forest Break pump station's cooling water is being replumbed to a domestic (mussel-free) source to protect motors — a top operational priority.
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