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Title: Effects of Sedimentation on Native Freshwater Mussels
Contact: G. Michael Fitch
Project No.: 89717
Target Date: 01/09/2012
Abstract:

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.


 
     William Henley
     Richard Neves
     G. Michael Fitch