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Kern County declares local emergency over invasive golden mussels, seeks state and federal help
Summary
The Board unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming a local state of emergency after county staff and water districts reported golden mussel infestations in the California Aqueduct and local canals, citing immediate operational risks and millions in emergency spending by local water agencies.
The Kern County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution May 12 proclaiming a local state of emergency over invasive golden mussels found in regional water infrastructure, and authorized the chair to request state and federal assistance.
County administrative staff told the board California Department of Fish and Wildlife and USGS confirmations show golden mussels are present in local systems, including parts of the California Aqueduct. Staff said the mussels "pose significant operational risks," including clogging pipelines, damaging equipment and reducing conveyance capacity; early local responses have already generated substantial unplanned costs for nearby water districts.
Sam Blue, resource manager for the Arvin Edison Water Storage District, told supervisors his district discovered golden mussels during routine maintenance in December 2025 and spent $3 million on an emergency chemical treatment campaign within 30 days. "We completed the 30-day chemical treatment in March and April," Blue said, and urged the county declaration to streamline permitting and unlock state and federal funding to offset costs.
Eric McDer of Wheeler Ridge-Maricopa Water Storage District said his board authorized up to $2 million for emergency response. Local contractor John Bison, who said he has been treating affected systems daily for six months, told the board treatment can work with a low-rate copper sulfate application but is expensive. "We can kill the adult mussels and the larvae, but it's expensive," he said.
Board members supported forming an ad hoc committee and directed staff to send a letter to the governor seeking a statewide emergency declaration; staff said that step could mobilize federal resources if the governor declares a statewide emergency.
The board's declaration positions Kern County to pursue accelerated approvals, coordinate a regional response with water districts and apply for state and federal funds; supervisors described the threat as a regional water-reliability issue with potential economic consequences for agriculture and local utilities.
