Snails
Idaho Power has been actively studying aquatic snails in the Hagerman, Idaho area since 1994.
Three species of aquatic snails are listed under the Endangered Species Act:
- Bliss Rapids snails
- Snake River Physa
- Banbury Springs lanx.
These species live within the Snake River near our hydroelectric facilities and in springs throughout the area, including those on Idaho Power properties.
Bliss Rapid snails
Why Are Snails Studied By Idaho Power?
The Endangered Species Act requires the company to evaluate the impacts our hydro facilities may have on threatened and endangered species, including snails.
We work collaboratively with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure our operations have minimal impacts on all threatened and endangered species.
For more information, read our Bliss Rapids Snail Protection Plan .
Comprehensive Plan
We are developing a comprehensive plan in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect and monitor Bliss Rapids snails in the Hagerman area.
The plan calls for rigorous monitoring of the snails until 2033, the year our Mid-Snake Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license expires.
As long as the species' abundance is found to be stable, we will continue to operate our Bliss and Lower Salmon Falls dams in a mode which provides inexpensive power to our customers during periods of high electricity demand.
For more information on Idaho snails, please visit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Freshwater Mollusks brochure.
New Zealand Mud snails (pictured below) are slightly larger than the Bliss Rapid snails, can be found in the Snake River and are considered to be an invasive species. Photo courtesy of the Billings Gazette.
Our Contribution to Control
Invasive Species
Idaho Power is active in regional efforts to control Invasive Species. We participate in the Idaho Invasive Species Council and work cooperatively with Idaho Department of Agriculture in monitoring for Zebra and Quagga mussels at numerous locations in the Snake River and its tributaries.
In September 2011, we produced a Dreissenid Mussel Management Plan in response to issues associated with the potential invasion of these mussels into the Snake River Basin.
Idaho Power biologist studying snails.
Potential Problems, Additional Expenses
We are very concerned about a potential infestation from these invasive mussels. They have the potential to cause problems at our hydroelectric facilities and recreation areas, as well as being detrimental to native fish, snails, wildlife and water quality.
The projected costs for additional maintenance at Idaho Power properties if the mussels are introduced into the Snake River are estimated at tens of thousands of dollars per year.
These mussels would also cause problems for our customers as they clog irrigation lines and foul pumping equipment.
Anything in the water may become habitat for Zebra and Quagga mussels. Idaho Power encourages our recreators to “Clean, drain and dry,” their boats and equipment to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Related Information
