FW: Zebra Mussell Shells for Landscaping?

[Ferry, Maureen M - DNR]

Hi folks,

What are your/our recommendations for using dead Dreissenid shells for landscaping? I suspect drying for at least 5 days, but advise against this activity due to their risk for bioaccumulating toxins. Does anyone have differing guidance?

 

Thanks!

 

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Aquatic Invasive Species Monitoring Lead – Bureau of Water Quality/Division of Environmental Management
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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From: Ferry, Maureen M - DNR
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 8:37 PM
To: Johnson, Ted M - DNR <TedM.J...@wisconsin.gov>; DNR Lakeb <DNRL...@Wisconsin.gov>; Kolasinski, Christopher E - DNR <Christopher...@wisconsin.gov>
Subject: RE: Zebra Mussell Shells for Landscaping?

 

I think it could be okay if they are left complete dry for 5 or more days. However, zebra mussel bioaccumulate toxins. I would advise against using dead shells for landscaping. I can follow up with e Invasive Mussle Collaboratives to s3e if anyone has  differing opinions. They typically respond quickly. Can I let you know in a day or two?

 

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Maureen Ferry

Cell Phone: (608) 381-3231
Office Phone: (608) 261-6450

Mauree...@Wisconsin.gov

 

From: Johnson, Ted M - DNR <TedM.J...@wisconsin.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 5:32 PM
To: DNR Lakeb <DNRL...@Wisconsin.gov>; Ferry, Maureen M - DNR <Mauree...@wisconsin.gov>; Kolasinski, Christopher E - DNR <Christopher...@wisconsin.gov>
Subject: RE: Zebra Mussell Shells for Landscaping?

 

I don’t think it is advisable to allow this as there is not a good way to know if any live specimens are being moved.  Maureen, thoughts?

 

Thanks, Ted

 

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Ted M. Johnson

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From: Dickmann, Jacob C - DNR <Jacob.D...@wisconsin.gov> On Behalf Of DNR Lakeb
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 5:09 PM
To: Ferry, Maureen M - DNR <Mauree...@wisconsin.gov>; Johnson, Ted M - DNR <TedM.J...@wisconsin.gov>; Kolasinski, Christopher E - DNR <Christopher...@wisconsin.gov>
Cc: DNR Lakeb <DNRL...@Wisconsin.gov>
Subject: FW: Zebra Mussell Shells for Landscaping?

 

Hi folks,

Can one of you help out with this? Can the general public take zebra mussel shells and use them for landscaping?

 

Thanks,

 

Jake

 

 

DNR Lakes Team

DNRL...@wisconsin.gov

 

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From: Jay Frater <j...@fr8r.com>
Sent: Monday, March 15, 2021 9:56 PM
To: DNR Lakeb <DNRL...@Wisconsin.gov>
Subject: Zebra Mussell Shells for Landscaping?

 

Hello - I live on the Lake Winnebago shoreline in Neenah and have noticed piles of what appears to be crushed zebra mussel shells piling up in 3 foot tall mounds at several of the boat ramps in town.  I was wondering if there is any harm in my taking several buckets of these shells.and using them for general landscaping, pathing, mulch, etc. in my yard?  I just wanted to check in on it in case I was asked about while taking.

 

Thanks for any advice you can provide -

Jay Frater

 

[Jo Latimore]

Here's an interesting reference to composting ZM shells from Cornell - but it looks pretty out of date. http://compost.css.cornell.edu/zebra.html  Bioaccumulation of toxins is not mentioned, but they discuss growing vegetables with it!

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[Douglas Jensen]

Hello All - 

Good question with many implications. Russ Kreis, US-EPA Grosse Isle, presented a comprehensive study on bioaccumulation of contaminants in zebra mussels at a past ICAIS conference (might have been Dearborn). I recall that zebra mussels exposed to high ambient concentrations of PCBs, PAHs, and heavy metals resulted in high bioacculumation in whole zebra mussels in a high risk scenario. However, levels were found to be below that regulated as contaminated waste for landfills (think: lakeshore disposal in landfills). Still, I recall that levels were substantial for PCDs and some heavy metals. That said, shell is known to be somewhat absorptive of contaminants as well. Effective removal of tissue from shell is likely the key for safe use of dead zebra mussel shells; probably part of a limitation why commercial use has been limited so far.

Since I'm unable to find Dr. Kries' presentation and past ICAIS conference abstracts, please consider my input conditional upon verification. I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Doug 

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Douglas A. Jensen

Extension Assistant Professor &
Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator
University of Minnesota Sea Grant Program
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[Ferry, Maureen M - DNR]

Thanks Jo and Doug! Seems like there is a use for Dreissenid shells in landscaping with possible risk for toxins. I’ll do a little more digging and will consult the Invasive Mussel Collaborative.

 

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Maureen Ferry

Cell Phone: (608) 381-3231
Office Phone: (608) 261-6450

Mauree...@Wisconsin.gov

 

[Ferry, Maureen M - DNR]

Thanks for everyone’s input. I reached out to the research committee on the Invasive Mussel Collaborative and here is a summary of their feedback

• Shells are calcium carbonate and would contain very little toxins. Toxins accumulate in fatty tissues, especially gonads.
• Residual tissue will smelly and could indicate if the animal is not fully desiccated.

 

We are committed to service excellence.

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Maureen Ferry

Cell Phone: (608) 381-3231
Office Phone: (608) 261-6450

Mauree...@Wisconsin.gov

 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/invasive-crayfish-collaborative/SA1PR09MB8591C05F0667F99601C985C0E0659%40SA1PR09MB8591.namprd09.prod.outlook.com.