
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, November 12, 1993                   TAG: 9311120235
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

CARVINS COVE MUSSEL POLICY WON'T CHANGE

Despite the recent discovery of zebra mussels at Smith Mountain Lake, Roanoke plans no change in its procedures for inspecting boats to protect Carvins Cove reservoir from becoming infested.

"We think we have the appropriate level of protection," said Kit Kiser, director of utilities and operations for the city.

Kiser said Thursday that the city will continue to inspect all boats and will permit only boats from the Roanoke Valley and Bedford County to use the lake. Boat owners have to certify that their craft have been in no other waters in the previous three weeks.

As a result of the Smith Mountain Lake incident, the city reviewed a proposal to ban private boating but decided to stick with the current system.

"You have to be careful of overkill," Kiser said. "You want people to be your side, or it won't work."

About 30 zebra mussels were discovered on a yacht brought to Smith Mountain Lake from Lake Michigan. It is believed to be the first time the shellfish has been found in Virginia, alive or dead.

Dense colonies of the shellfish have been found in the Great Lakes. Because they grow so fast, they can clog water intakes, cutting off water supplies.

- Staff report

by CNB