Effects of Sedimentation on Native Freshwater Mussels

About the project:

While some evidence exists to suggest sedimentation is deterimental to freshwater mussel populations, sedimentation from VDOT projects is assumed by regulatory agencies to pose a major negative impact to mussels downstream of construction sites.  There is, however, no empirical evidence to support this assumption. 

This research project is designed to test the assumption of sedimentation impacts and to evaluate whether VDOT projects do or do not contribute significant sedimentation above ambient levels in streams.

Project Team

Project Monitor

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