Project Overview

The Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species will survey private car washes in the Greater Yellowstone Area to determine their suitability as aquatic nuisance species cleaning stations.  Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are causing significant ecological and economic harm across the United States. The recent appearance of zebra and quagga mussels in the western U.S. demonstrates how easily ANS are spread by boats and other recreational equipment. Equipment cleaning is the primary tool that managers have to protect waters, and new voluntary and mandatory cleaning programs are currently being implemented. Recently, the Greater Yellowstone Area has seen an increase in the number of ANS wash stations; however, the vast majority have no dedicated ANS wash stations and people are directed to local car washes to clean their gear. Unfortunately, there is no knowledge of what happens to any ANS that are washed off in a car wash.  This project will survey every car wash in the Greater Yellowstone area to determine its suitability as an ANS wash station. For each car wash, the Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species will examine the source of the water they use, the temperature of their water, any chemicals that are added (soaps, etc), where the waste water goes and how it is treated, how any sludge removed is disposed of, among other details.  Following the inventory all car washes will be ranked as to their suitability and those that are safe for use as ANS wash stations will be identified. “Safe” car washes will be recognized and promoted as ANS wash stations. Project partners will include the Western Regional Panel of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, Wyoming Game and Fish, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, car wash owners, and local sewage treatment operators and waste disposal personnel.