AIS_-_SOP_102019.pdf

This document is an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Best Management Practices (BMPs) document prepared by Seattle City Light in October 2019, focusing on preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species in water systems across various river and dam locations in Washington State. The document outlines comprehensive goals including preventing new introductions of aquatic invasive species, containing further spread of established populations, controlling or eradicating existing populations, minimizing associated costs, and protecting investments in ecological restoration. The plan covers multiple work areas including the Boundary, Cedar River, Skagit River, and South Fork Tolt River regions, with specific protocols for equipment cleaning, decontamination, and movement between water bodies.

The document details extensive prevention strategies centered on a "CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY" approach, with specific procedures for different types of equipment and scenarios. Key invasive species threats include zebra and quagga mussels, aquatic plants like Eurasian watermilfoil, and aquatic pathogens such as Whirling disease. The plan recognizes climate change as a factor potentially increasing invasive species spread, with warming temperatures and changing precipitation patterns creating more favorable conditions for non-native species. Decontamination procedures are rigorous, involving temperature-based treatments (140-degree water), specific cleaning protocols for different equipment types, quarantine periods, and strict guidelines for equipment movement between water bodies to prevent cross-contamination.