By Compton
Richmond, KY – The US Fish and Wildlife Service wants federal protections for two types of freshwater mussels found in Kentucky. Spokeswoman Georgia Parham says the number of sheep-nose and spectacle-case mussels have plunged. Parham says coal mines, chemical contaminants and dams have damaged the rivers and streams where the mussels live.
"If you see mussel numbers declining in a river system or in a water way, it's a good chance that there's a decline in water quality as well, not just for mussels, but for other living things that use the water or use the river."
Next, the US Fish and Wildlife Department will conduct public hearings. If declared an endangered species, Parham says the federal agency will then try to preserve the mussels' habitat.