California ends Lake Oroville boat inspections meant to block destructive mussels

California is rolling back boat inspections at Lake Oroville designed to block invasive golden mussels, after a state-funded risk assessment lowered the threat. The Department of Water Resources will end mandatory inspections and decontamination for boats launching at Lake Oroville and nearby Thermalito Forebay and Afterbay as summer approaches. The program cost roughly $7.5 million to start and about $6.5 million annually to operate. Upstream lakes in the Feather River watershed did not implement similar precautions, increasing the chance that larvae reach the reservoir regardless of local checks. No state agencies or scientists have detected golden mussels in Oroville. Golden mussels were first detected in the Delta in October 2024, marking North America's initial appearance of the species. The mussels can encrust surfaces, choke water intakes, and damage dams and power plants, threatening California infrastructure. Water managers warn that pumps and canals moving water to irrigation districts downstream may carry larvae, potentially increasing downstream risk. San Joaquin and Kern counties have declared emergencies as authorities expedite repairs to the water-delivery system. Experts remain divided on containment, with some urging focus on hubs like Lake Oroville.