Russell County, Virginia

Note: This information is provided for reference purposes only. Although the information provided here was accurate and current when first created, it is now outdated.

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Pesticide Table | About Freshwater Mollusks
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Pesticide Table for Freswater Mollusks

Table of Pesticide Active Ingredients

Active Ingredient	Code
AZINPHOS-METHYL	2
BENOMYL	1
CAPTAN	1
CARBARYL	2
CARBOPHENOTHION	2
CHLORPYRIFOS
Alfalfa, Peanuts	43
Apples	41
All Other Uses	2
DIAZINON	2
DICOFOL	2
DIMETHOATE	2
ENDOSULFAN	2
ETHION	2
FENAMIPHOS	2
FENSULFOTHION	2
FENTHION	40
FLURIDONE	20
FONOFOS	2
MALATHION	2
METHIDATHION	2
MEVINPHOS	2
NALED	1
NITRAPYRIN	1
PARATHION (ethyl)	2
PENDIMETHALIN	2
PHORATE	1
PHOSMET	1
PYRETHRINS	2
TERBUFOS	2
TRICHLORFON	2

Limitations on Pesticide Use

Code	Limitations
1	Do not apply this pesticide within 20 yards of the water's edge within the shaded area for ground applications nor within 100 yards for aerial applications.
2	Do not apply this pesticide within 40 yards of the water's edge within the shaded area for ground applications nor within 200 yards for aerial applications.
20	Do not apply directly to water within the shaded area.
40	Do not apply this pesticide to cattle within 100 yards of the water's edge within the shaded area. Do not allow treated cattle to enter the water in such a way that fenthion could wash off their backs and sides, for 100 days after treatment.
41	Do not apply this pesticide within 1/4 mile of the water's edge within the shaded area for ground applications , nor within 1/2 mile for aerial applications.
43	Do not apply this pesticide within 100 yards of the water's edge within the shaded area for ground applications , nor within 1/4 mile for aerial applications.

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Freshwater mussel [Unionidae]

Freshwater mollusks found in this area include the Appalachian monkeyface pearly musse, the Birdwing pearly mussel, the Fine-rayed pigtoe, and the Shiny pigtoe. These mussels are in the family Unionidae, a family restricted to North America. A far larger percentage of this family are imperiled than any other taxonomic (species) group.

Freshwater mussels can live up to 50 years. In the parasitic larval stage of the mollusk lifecycle it is dependant on fish within its habitat for nutrients and mobility. However, only a few host fish are known. Mature mussels bury themselves in the riffles and shoals and feed by siphoning phytoplankton and other plant matter from the water. Reverse siphoning is used to expell undigestible particles from the shell. Silt in the water can kill mussels by clogging their feeding siphons.

Major factors affecting mussel populations are alterations in temperature, waterflow, and siltation caused by stream damming and channeling. Agricultural runoffs and industrial practices have also affected the mussel habitat by degrading water quality and causing siltation. Because mussels are filter feeders, the effects of pollution are intensified due to the large quantities of water drawn through their siphons in the feeding process. Another significant threat to this species is the widespread and rapid population growth of the introduced zebra mussel. The zebra mussel not only competes with native species, but also attatches to them, adding so much weight that the native species cannot open to feed. In the past, commerial harvests contributed to the decline of freshwater mussels but this industry has since been reduced.

Matthews, J.R. (ed.), The Official World Wildlife Fund Guide to Endangered Species, Beacham Publishing Inc, Washington, DC. Vol II, pp. 955-956.

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