San Joaquin County Supervisors are expected to declare a local emergency involving the growing threat of golden mussels in the Delta when they meet Tuesday.

The invasive species negatively impact Delta waterways, infrastructure, agriculture, ecosystem, and recreation.

The golden mussel presents a serious and escalating threat due to its ability to rapidly colonize and damage infrastructure that delivers water, restrict water flows, and disrupt ecosystem balance.

While the State has implemented a Golden Mussel Response Framework focused primarily on preventing the spread of the Statewide species, there remains a critical gap in addressing the immediate protection of existing infrastructure and water systems within the Delta and Central Valley.

Additionally, the Delta operates within a State-regulated and State-managed water system, limiting local authority while placing substantial operational and financial impacts on local jurisdictions.

While local agencies bear immediate operational and financial impacts, they do not have authority over the broader water system, reinforcing the need for State leadership, technical assistance, coordination, and resource support.

There is no immediate net County cost associated with the emergency declaration.

Proclamation of a Local Emergency may allow for eligibility for State and Federal funding, technical assistance, and resource support to offset current and future costs associated with response and mitigation.