1. Mussel Treatment Options Discussed Through October — Board Leaned Toward Continuing; any formal approval of the treatment plan is unclear in the recording and should be confirmed The board leaned toward continuing copper-based mussel treatment on both the north and south canal systems through October rather than pausing to save costs. Product for the remainder of the year has already been delivered (~18,000 gallons total), and the total additional bill coming is roughly $130,000 on top of the ~$400,000 already invoiced. Staff reported encouraging results, including observations of dead mussels/shells, copper residuals holding nearly 10 miles down the pipeline, and settling plates in the northern canal and at the Friant southern turnout show no mussels. The district plans to bring treatment operations fully in-house next year by purchasing the tanks, pumps, and copper-testing equipment currently used by the contractor, which should significantly reduce ongoing costs.
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