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Colorado needs a clearer understanding of the economic and environmental costs of <br />allowing zebra mussels to spread across the West, in order to support decisions about <br />appropriate prevention actions. <br />Economic Im~act Analvses <br />The following is a list of economic impact information needs: <br />• Potential impacts on water diversion/transportation systems due to zebra/quagga <br />mussel infestations. <br />• Analysis of Prevention/ControVManagement measures. <br />• Potential economic impacts on water sport recreation activities. <br />• Quantified impacts on local economies that depend on watercraft/angling <br />recreation. <br />• Quantified potential economic impacts on drinking water sources (e.g., supply <br />transport, taste, and odor). <br />• Quantified impacts on agricultural water supply systems. <br />Risk Analysis <br />Not all waters are at equal risk of invasion, and significant cost savings and efficiencies <br />could be gained by focusing containment and detection efforts on waters that are greatest <br />risk. Colorado should conduct an assessment of the vulnerability of our waters to <br />colonization by zebra/quagga mussel species, including assessments of the species' <br />environmental requirements, a survey of calcium concentrations in Colorado waters, and <br />a survey of boat movements from infested waters into Colorado. <br />• Creation of a model and analysis for state waters to provide prioritized risk <br />potential for zebra/quagga mussel infestation. <br />• Review, analysis and recommendation of effective methods of containment, <br />control andlor eradication. <br />• i~eview and recommendation of necessary research/testin~ on specific species <br />containment, control and eradication techniques. <br />VI. REGULATORY AND STATUTORY NEEDS <br />Needed Statute - All Colorado-registered boats returning to Colorado and boats <br />registered in other states comin~ into Colorada are reyuired to be inspected (and <br />decontaminated if necessary) prior to launching in any Colorado water body. <br />Needed Statute - Introduction of ANS species into Colorado waters becomes a strict <br />liability misdemeanor with a$1,000 fine plus liability for damages. Class I misdemeanor <br />_ $500-5,000 and Class II = $250-1,000. <br />6 <br />