A client, under an agreement with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR), was required to properly manage sensitive water systems and prevent contamination by aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as the zebra mussel and pathogens like the largemouth bass virus. The maintenance costs associated with keeping water intakes clean are significant — not to mention the considerable liability associated with introducing the zebra mussel to a new habitat. Understanding these conditions was critical to the client’s operations.

To satisfy the terms of the agreement with WVDNR, RETTEW developed a customized training program that allowed the client to continue operating its water system, saving tens of millions of dollars per year in water trucking costs. Our comprehensive presentation mapped aquatic habitats, identified susceptible water systems, outlined the potential dangers associated with AIS, and developed a plan to manage water source operations and minimize potential infections. The presentation helped to bring widespread AIS awareness to all levels of the company and provided tools to help successfully manage a water system capable of moving
4.3 million gallons of water per day.