U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey

Assessment of Freshwater Mussels

in the Allegheny River at Foxburg,

Pennsylvania, 1998

by Robert M. Anderson

Water-Resources Investigations Report 00-4058

Prepared for the

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Lemoyne, Pennsylvania

2000
ii

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BRUCE BABBITT, Secretary

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Charles G. Groat, Director

For additional information Copies of this report may be

write to: purchased from:

District Chief U.S. Geological Survey

U.S. Geological Survey Branch of Information Services

840 Market Street Box 25286

Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-1586 Denver, Colorado 80225-0286
iii

CONTENTS

Page

Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Purpose and scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Description of study area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Study methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Survey zone delineation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Habitat assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Qualitative sample design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Quantitative sample design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Data analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Qualitative mussel survey and habitat assessment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Quantitative mussel survey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Summary and conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

References cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Appendix—Freshwater mussel survey report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

ILLUSTRATION

Figure 1. Location of stream segment, Allegheny River, Foxburg, Pennsylvania. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

TABLES

Table 1. Freshwater mussels found in the qualitative survey in the Allegheny River

at Foxburg, Pennsylvania, 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

 2. Habitat characteristic of the Allegheny River at Foxburg, 1998. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

3. Freshwater mussels found in the quantitative survey in the Allegheny River

at Foxburg, 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
iv

CONVERSION FACTORS AND ABBREVIATIONS

Multiply By To obtain

Length

centimeter (cm) 0.3937 inch

millimeter (mm) 0.03937 inch

meter (m) 3.281 foot

meter (m) 1.094 yard

kilometer 0.6214 mile

Area

square meter (m2) 10.76 square foot

Flow rate

cubic meter per second (m3

/s) 35.31 cubic foot per second

Temperature

degree Celsius °F = 9/5 (°C) + 32 degree Fahrenheit
1

ASSESSMENT OF FRESHWATER MUSSELS

IN THE ALLEGHENY RIVER AT FOXBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, 1998

by Robert M. Anderson

ABSTRACT

The upper reaches of the Allegheny River are a high-quality resource that supports populations of a

number of endangered species. Two endangered species of freshwater mussel, the northern riffleshell,

Epioblasma torulosa rangiana, and clubshell, Pleurobema clava, are present in this river reach. Prior to a
2

Among the bridges for which replacement is planned is the State Route (SR) 58 bridge crossing the

Allegheny River (river mile 86.2) at the town of Foxburg, Pa., Armstrong and Clarion Counties (fig. 1). The

aquatic resource potentially affected by the proposed construction includes two endangered species of

freshwater mussels, the northern riffleshell, Epioblasma torulosa rangiana, and the clubshell, Pleurobema

clava. These two species have undergone at least a 95-percent reduction in range (U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, 1994). Although Epioblasma is the largest genus of freshwater mussels in the Ohio River Basin with

19 recognized taxa, 12 appear to have been made extinct in this century and all but 1 of the remaining

species is endangered (Turgeon and others, 1998, Williams and others, 1993). The northern riffleshell is

now common only in the upper Allegheny River and its tributary, French Creek. The clubshell, while

extant in more streams nationwide than the northern riffleshell, is generally rare. Several stream reaches in

the Allegheny River system support apparently healthy and relatively large clubshell populations (U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service, 1994). The study described here augments ongoing research being conducted by

the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to assess the aquatic resource of the Allegheny River Basin in general

and, more specifically, the nationally unique mussel resources in this river. This study was conducted in

conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation as part of an environmental assessment

related to the replacement of the bridge at Foxburg, Pa.

Purpose and Scope

This report describes an investigation to determine if either of the endangered freshwater-mussel

species, known to inhabit the upper Allegheny River, are present near the existing SR 58 bridge and to

evaluate the extent of mussel habitat in the vicinity. A combination of qualitative and quantitative

techniques were implemented in September and October 1998 to determine if mussels are present and, if

so, their relative abundance. Depth, substrate, siltation, channel width, and stream velocity were

measured concurrently with the mussel survey.

Description of the Study Area

The Allegheny River at Foxburg, Pa., is at river mile 86.2 (latitude 41°08′24′′ and longitude 79°40′51′′).

The river averages 160 m wide during low-flow conditions. Flow in this reach of the river has been

controlled to some extent since 1967 by releases from Kinzua Dam, a mainstem power and flood-control

impoundment (Coll and Siwicki, 1998). The streambanks in the area are relatively steep, and the channel is

constrained along a section of the east bank by a concrete wall. The bridge is supported by four piers, two

of which are located in the water at low to moderate flows. Each pier is separated by 49 m. The bridge

itself consists of a single lane, double deck steel span. The upper deck, although no longer in use,

previously carried rail traffic. The water depth averages 2.4 - 3.6 m deep in much of the area; the maximum

depth is 10 m. The water velocity is relatively slow at low flow and can be described as a slow deep run

with little to no visible surface disturbance due to turbulence.

Acknowledgments

In addition to the USGS personnel who assisted in aspects of this study and report preparation,

several individuals are recognized here for their particular efforts. Special thanks to the SCUBA divers and

crew who braved current and cold water to collect the data used in this report: Patricia Morrison, Janet

Butler, Thomas Cox, and R.J. Lewis from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Ohio River Islands Refuge and

William Muir, James Gouvas, and Elizabeth Ackerman from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Patricia Morrison and David Smith, USGS Biological Resources Division, provided technical review and

invaluable suggestions to improve this manuscript. Special thanks also go to the landowners in and

around Foxburg for access to the river and interest in the study.
3

Figure 1. Location of stream segment, Allegheny River, Foxburg, Pennsylvania.
4

STUDY METHODS

The study design follows the revised mussel-survey protocols developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1996). Minor

modifications, necessary because of the stream conditions, are outlined below. The qualitative survey was

conducted on September 1-3, 1998, and the quantitative survey was initiated on September 3, 1998, and

completed on October 1-2, 1998.

Survey Zone Delineation

The reach evaluated in this study started 92 m above the existing SR 58 bridge and extended to 370 m

below the bridge. This reach was further divided into three zones. Zone A represents the upstream zone

likely to be impacted by construction and extends above the bridge for 92 m; zone B, the downstream

direct impact area, extends from the downstream side of the bridge for 183 m; and zone C, the area likely

to experience indirect impacts from construction, extends from the end of zone B to the end of the reach,

370 m downstream from the bridge.

Habitat Assessment

Stream width and zone length were measured by use of a laser range finder (Bushnell Yardage Pro,

Bushnell Corp.1). Stream depths and temperatures were recorded by divers and by a wire weight during

water-velocity measurements. Divers estimated substrate size and silt cover on each qualitative transect.

Substrate size was estimated into categories as described by Meader and others (1993). Near-shore habitat

was similarly recorded during the qualitative survey. Water velocities were measured at 20 percent and

80 percent of the depth at eight points along four transects set perpendicular to flow in the three-zone

reach. Velocities were measured with a standard flowmeter and lead weight suspended on a wire from a

Jon boat. Although imprecise, these measurements provide relative estimates of the water velocity in the

reach.

Qualitative Sample Design

Initially, both streambanks were searched to locate shell middens, such as those left by muskrats,

Ondatra zibethica, which prey on freshwater mussels. Wadeable near-shore habitats also were qualitatively

searched to a depth of 0.75 m. Relative locations of shell deposits and living mussels are recorded on a map

of the area including locations of shells or living specimens of either endangered species

(Appendix: Form 4).

The qualitative survey was extended into the river channel, focusing on areas considered to be

suitable mussel habitat. Unsuitable mussel habitat is defined in the Mussel Survey Protocol as “cleanswept bedrock, silt deposits over 0.5 in. (inches) deep, concrete paving, or deep scour holes”(U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, 1996). The majority of the substrate in the study reach could not be assessed from the

surface, therefore the only areas excluded were those in shallow water that had been subjected to a search

by wading and in which no mussels were found. Water depth necessitated utilizing two teams of paired

SCUBA divers. Each diver searched for mussels along one side of a 91 m transect line placed on the river

bottom parallel to the current. The divers searched a 1.5 m strip of substrate on each side of the transect

line. Transects were placed 5 - 6 m apart in zone A and zone B and 10 m apart in zone C. Transects were

staggered upstream and downstream of a 91 m center line in zones B and C rather than sampling 183 m

transects (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1996). Staggering transects allowed qualitative assessment of the

entire reach while maintaining diver search efficiency.

1 The use of firm, trade, and brand names in this report is for identification purposes only and does not constitute

endorsement by the U.S. Government.
5

Mussels found along the transects were recorded on diving slates and replaced in the substrate.

Specimens that could not be identified underwater, and those believed to be an endangered species, were

placed in a dive bag and brought to the surface to confirm identification. Abundant species were

categorized in groups of 50 if more than 50 individuals were found. All mussels were returned to the

transect after identification.

Quantitative Sample Design

Utilizing the results of the qualitative survey and habitat observations, 0.25-m2 quadrants were placed

in areas identified as being in a mussel bed containing the endangered target species. Quadrants were

placed in groupings of four within a 16-m2 area. Each 0.25-m2 quadrant was separated by as much as a

meter from others within the larger cell. Divers were instructed to place the quadrants without reference to

presence or absence of visible mussels or shells. A total of 48 quadrants were sampled in 12 groups of 4

quadrants. Each was excavated to a depth of approximately 10 cm. Substrate was not removed from the

water, however velocity and clarity were sufficient to provide excellent visibility. All mussels were taken

to the surface to confirm identification before being returned to the river.

Data Analysis

The area utilized by mussels at the study site was estimated to be 26,800 m2 from data collected in the

qualitative assessment and from observations made of the habitat conditions in the reach. Quantitative

mussel-population data were collected in a two-stage design. Population estimates ( ) were calculated

utilizing the following equation from Thompson (1992):

(1)

(2)

The primary units (N=1,675) are represented by 16-m2 cells of which a subset was sampled (n= 12) and

0.25-m2 quadrants (Mi=64) sampled in the secondary stage (mi=4). The three zones were combined to

provide a larger sample size (N=1,675). The number and species of mussels in each quadrant were

recorded ( ). Variance calculations also followed Thompson (1992) and 95-percent confidence intervals

were calculated by use of the following formula:

 , (3)

where is the abundance estimate and var( ) is its variance.

τˆ

yˆ i

M

m

----- y ij M i y i = ⋅

j = 1

m i = ∑

τˆ N

n

---- y i

ˆ

i = 1

n

= ∑

y ij

C.I. ln( ) τˆ ( ) +

−1.96 var( ) τˆ

τˆ

2 = exp ---------------

τˆ τˆ
6

QUALITATIVE MUSSEL SURVEY AND HABITAT ASSESSMENT

A total of 14 species of freshwater mussels were collected in the three-zone, 457-m reach of the

Allegheny River at Foxburg, Pa. (table 1). All 14 species, including both of the endangered species, were

observed living in this river reach. Stream conditions during sampling were generally clear and calm. The

median streamflow during the sampling period at Parker, Pa., river mile 83.4, was 89.7 m3/s (Coll and

Siwicki, 1998). Divers recorded visibility ranging from 2.4 - 3.7 m and water temperatures of 22°C and

20°C on September 1-3 and October 1-2, respectively.

Northern riffleshells (n=19) were observed in all three zones and ranked seventh in relative

abundance. A clubshell was found in zone B at a depth of 5.5 m in a gravel/cobble substrate. Dead and

relic clubshell shells were collected in shore-side middens in zones A and C, indicating this species is

distributed at low abundance levels throughout the reach.

During the September sample period, several female northern riffleshells were observed displaying a

bright white mantle margin that was easily visible to divers. This behavior was not observed during the

October sampling period 4 weeks later. Epioblasma, like several other Lampsiline mussels, use mantle

displays to attract host fish (Parmalee and Bogan, 1998). The mantle display for the northern riffleshell has

been reported in May (Trdan and Hoeh, 1993), and the species was gravid in summer and fall (Ortmann,

1919). Other gravid Epioblasma species have been found from spring to fall and are reported to actively

display in May and June (Parmalee and Bogan, 1998). Whether mantle displays are related to water

temperature, which decreased between sampling periods, or some other environmental queue is not

known. It would be advantageous to conduct qualitative surveys of northern riffleshells during active

mantle display. The relative abundance of female northern riffleshells found in this study is likely greater

than if the same qualitative methodology had been implemented only in October.

The overall species assemblage is similar to those reported during other recent upper Allegheny River

mussel surveys. The same general species composition was found at Allegheny River mile 108,

Kennerdell, Pa., in 1997 (U.S. Geological Survey, 1998) with the exception of three species. The rabbitsfoot,

Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica (one specimen), and kidneyshell, Ptychobranchus fasciolaris (two specimens)

were located at Kennerdell but not at Foxburg; the paper pondshell, Utterbackia imbecillis, (one specimen)

was found only at Foxburg. These species are at very low abundance levels and may have been over

looked at the respective sites from which they are missing.

Table 1. Freshwater mussels found in the qualitative survey in the Allegheny River at Foxburg, Pennsylvania, 1998

Common name Species name Shell

middens

Number living Percentage relative

abundance

Zone A Zone B Zone C (living only)

Mucket Actinonaias ligamentina >250 >500 >500 >1,000 51.27

Elktoe Alasmidonta marginata 11 3 0 3 .15

Spike Elliptio dilatata >2,000 >350 >400 >850 42.70

Northern riffleshell Epioblasma torulosa rangiana 28 7 9 3 .48

Pocketbook Lampsilis cardium 12 7 3 7 .43

Wavyrayed lampmussel Lampsilis fasciola 28 9 3 8 .51

Plain pocketbook Lampsilis ovata 2 12 2 13 .69

Black sandshell Ligumia recta 10 9 12 21 1.07

Fluted shell Lasmigona costata 40 48 25 25 2.49

Clubshell Pleurobema clava 5 0 1 0 .03

Round pigtoe Pleurobema sintoxia 1 0 0 1 .03

Creeper Strophitus undulatus 6 0 0 1 .03

Paper pondshell Utterbackia imbecillis 1 1

1 A single living specimen was found in an onshore muskrat midden.

00 0 0

Rayed bean Villosa fabalis 4 3 0 2 .13
7

Most freshwater mussels were found at depths between 2.4 and 5.5 m of water in cobble/gravel

substrate. Mussels in zones A and B were largely restricted to the left side of the channel, to the right of the

bridge pier. In zone C, mussels are more widely distributed although densities appear to be lower. Mussel

habitat along the western side of the channel is limited by substrate composition, which is dominated by

boulders and silt. Stream velocities during the survey were relatively low in this area (table 2), but the

large boulder substrate composition suggests that higher velocities occur.

Mussel habitat on the western side of the river is influenced by Fowler Run, a small tributary entering

the Allegheny River approximately 80 m upstream of the SR 58 bridge. The watershed of Fowler Run is

the site of coal-mine activity. The substrate of this small stream, and sections of the Allegheny River at the

confluence, is stained with “yellow boy,” presumably iron oxide from mine discharges. Coal-mine runoff

can reduce or eliminate mussel communities (Ortmann, 1909; Neel and Allen, 1964; Starnes and Starnes,

1980; Anderson and others, 1991) that are sensitive to lower pH and increased metal concentration and

siltation. Fowler Run may affect mussel survival on the western shoreline until mixed with better quality

water in the Allegheny River. The mixing zone of Fowler Run and the Allegheny River is influenced by

streamflows, but this was not investigated in this study.

The highest water velocities experienced by the divers were between the two center bridge piers.

Streambed scour is evident above and below the bridge at this point. The maximum depth recorded was

10.1 m occurring mid-channel approximately 50 m below the SR 58 bridge. The substrate is dominated by

large boulders (over 50 cm) in much of the scoured area. Modifications to stabilize the two central bridge

abutments included pouring concrete around the abutments and, possibly, placing boulders in the scour

area as riprap. Above and below the scour area and encompassing much of the center of the river in zone

A and zone B, the substrate was unconsolidated with few living mussels. Headcutting (upstream channel

degradation from a disturbance), active substrate transport, and increased deposition can all affect mussel

survival and colonization (Hartfield, 1993).

The lower part of zone B and the central part of zone C were covered in a layer of fine silt up to 2.5 cm

thick. The majority of North American freshwater mussels are adapted to flowing waters and are

considered to be intolerant of siltation of more than 1.2 cm. (Ellis, 1936). In the Allegheny River at Foxburg,

mussels in areas of much deeper silt deposition were located in cone-shaped depressions in the silt layer.

These animals were oriented in the gravel substrate to a similar depth as those observed in unsilted areas,

however, the silt layer was reduced in the immediate area of the mussel. It appeared the mussels maintain

contact with the water column by clearing silt in some manner, perhaps with valve closures or with

excurrent water during feeding and respiration. The silt in the study area was readily disturbed by divers

and would likely be swept clear by even slightly higher river velocity. The ability to clear silt buildup, in

contrast to what is reported in the literature, may be related to the rate and duration of silt accumulation,

particle size and composition, as well as the season as it is related to mussel behavior.

Table 2. Habitat characteristic of the Allegheny River at Foxburg, Pennsylvania, 1998

[m, meters; m/s, meters per second; m2, meters squared; N/A, not applicable]

Zone

Distance from

bridge

(m, - is

downstream)

Width

(m)

Mean depth

(m)

Median

20 percent of

depth velocity

(m/s)

Median

80 percent of

depth velocity

(m/s)

Estimated

area of

mussel bed

in zone

(m2)

A 41 145 2.74 0.15 0.09 4,550

B -51 161 5.98 .13 .14 7,245

B/C1

1 At the transition from zone B to zone C.

-182 161 2.78 .14 .12 N/A

C -258 171 2.66 .15 .10 15,000
8

QUANTITATIVE MUSSEL SURVEY

Eight of the 14 mussel species known to be present at this site were collected in quantitative samples

(n=101) for an average density of 8.4 mussels per square meter. The total area of the three-zone reach is

74,000 m2; an estimated 26,795 m2 (table 2) appeared to provide suitable mussel habitat based on mussel

occurrence, river substrate, siltation, depth, and velocity. This determination included some areas, such as

silted areas, that would have been categorized as “unsuitable” in the Mussel Survey Protocol. On the basis

of the formula for a two-stage sample (Thompson, 1992), 225,567 mussels (standard deviation = 58,252) are

located in the sampled area of the mussel bed (table 3). A two-stage sample design was used because it

provided a better population estimate per effort than the fewer number of larger quadrants (five 1-m2)

suggested in the Mussel Survey Protocol. The two-stage design was more cost effective because of the

logistics of moving the dive team. The abundance estimates, however, lack the precision that would have

been obtained with a completely random design. The 48 0.25-m2 quadrants can not be assumed to

represent independent random samples because variance within the 12 cells sampled can be expected to

be lower than in the population and the 12 cells were placed in the expected area of the mussel bed as well

as being stratified to cover the length of the study reach. The river bed was not visible when dive sites

were selected so site-selection bias, within the mussel bed, was hopefully minimal.

Calculating abundance for each species produces estimates with large confidence intervals, especially

for rarer species (table 3). A single northern riffleshell was found in the quantitative survey, producing an

estimate of 2,233 individuals in the reach with an upper limit confidence interval of 15,848 individuals

[α=0.05, df=11]. No clubshells were found in the quantitative survey. A significant increase in sampling or

a change in sample design will be necessary to obtain a more precise estimate of populations of rare

species.

The relative abundance of individual species present in the quantitative sampling was similar to the

qualitative part of this study with a few exceptions. Freshwater mussels, like most species, exhibit

clumped distributions (i.e. mussels beds). Quadrant sampling tends to underestimate mussel diversity at a

site, commonly missing rarer species unless many quadrants are sampled (Vaughn and others, 1997).

Conversely, not all species are equally susceptible to sampling visually because of size, color, or habits. The

rayed bean, Villosa fabalis, is ranked ninth in relative abundance in qualitative surveys, yet is not

particularly rare at this site (table 3). This species is small, rarely exceeds 38 mm in length (Parmalee and

Bogan, 1998), and is not as visible to divers as are the larger species.

The freshwater mussel population at Foxburg, Pa., is dominated by two species, the mucket,

Actinonaias ligamentina, and spike, Elliptio dilatata, which account for 84 percent of the population. The

mucket is a widely distributed species capable of utilizing several different fish host for the parasitic

glochidial (larval) stage (Watters, 1994). The spike also is a widespread species that, although commonly

Table 3. Freshwater mussels found in the quantitative survey in the Allegheny River at Foxburg,

Pennsylvania, 1998

Common name Species name Number

found

Percentage

relative

abundance

Population

estimate

95-percent

confidence interval

Mucket Actinonaias ligamentina 33 32.67 73,700 35,229 to 154,184

Spike Elliptio dilatata 52 51.49 116,133 62,369 to 216,243

Northern riffleshell Epioblasma torulosa rangiana 1 .99 2,233 315 to 15,848

Pocketbook Lampsilis cardium 2 1.98 4,467 1,191 to 16,747

Black sandshell Ligumia recta 1 .99 2,233 315 to 15,848

Fluted shell Lasmigona costata 6 5.94 13,400 4,817 to 37,279

Creeper Strophitus undulatus 1 .99 2,233 315 to 15,848

Rayed bean Villosa fabalis 5 4.95 11,167 5,543 to 22,496

TOTAL1

1 Population estimate total and confidence intervals [α=0.10, df=11] are calculated independently, not summed.

101 100 225,567 135,973 to 374,195
9

abundant where found, is apparently rather sensitive to water-quality changes and has undergone

significant loss of range in some areas (Watters, 1988). Di Maio and Corkum (1995) found that the spike is

a species typical of more hydrologically stable rivers.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The Allegheny River at Foxburg, Pa., supports a mussel population consisting of at least 14 species.

This population is significant in that it includes two globally rare endangered species, the northern

riffleshell and, more rarely, the clubshell. Overall, the composition of the mussel community at Foxburg is

similar to that in other recently surveyed areas in the upper Allegheny River (U.S. Geological Survey, 1998,

1999). Limited data available suggest this community approximates historical species composition in the

middle Allegheny River (Ortmann, 1919; Bates and Dennis, 1969).

The study design used follows a protocol established for conducting mussel surveys in Pennsylvania

(U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1996). The qualitative survey design documented, at the survey site, most

species known to be present in the upper Allegheny River. The qualitative survey protocol includes

diverse habitats, and with personnel experienced at finding these cryptic organisms, is likely to document

all common species. The proportion of rare species documented at a site will depend on effort as well as

expertise. Additionally, northern riffleshells appear to be significantly easier to locate during active mantle

display. Surveys should be targeted during this period to increase sampling effectiveness. In general,

qualitative surveys are suitable for documentation of species occurrence (Vaughn and others, 1997). The

quantitative design covered a small area relative to the size of the river at Foxburg. Sampling is biased by

stratifying the quadrants in the mussel bed and targeting areas known, from the qualitative surveys, to

support the target species. The resulting abundance estimates have wide confidence intervals and are

applicable only to the area defined as suitable habitat. The precision of the abundance estimates was

improved in this case by using a two-stage design and increasing the number of quadrants sampled.

Additional increases in quadrant numbers and the implementation of a full random design would

improve the estimate further but also would require a considerable increase in effort. Foxburg would be a

difficult site at which to implement a full random design because the river depth requires that SCUBA

equipment be used.

Freshwater mussels at Foxburg are distributed throughout much of the study reach but are present

primarily along the eastern part of the channel in 2.5 to 5.5 m of water in cobble and gravel substrate. Silt

deposited in some parts of this area appears to be a seasonal occurrence due to water flow and is highly

transient in nature. In general, mussel habitat in this river reach is somewhat atypical of what is usually

associated with the species present. The water is deeper and has lower velocity and silt accumulation is

greater than expected. This probably reflects a biased view of the habitat requirements of these species

rather than actual habitat preference. Multiple-year classes appeared to be present for most species, and

the overall community is similar to shallower, fast-flowing areas elsewhere in this river.

Several factors appear to be affecting mussel distribution in the study reach. The mussel population is

limited along the western shore and mid-channel. Mussel habitat along the western shore may be affected

naturally by stream velocity and a substrate dominated by boulders and silt, but also may be affected by

mine drainage from Fowler Run. The mid-channel area exhibits a significant amount of scour between the

bridge piers. Mussels in the scour area are transported away by scour events with the substrate. Scour

degrades habitat downstream as bed material is deposited as well as upstream as channel degradation or

head cutting occurs. Very few mussels were found in the scour-affected area that occupies a relatively

large part of the study area upstream and downstream from the bridge. Colonization of this area is

unlikely because most native freshwater mussels have life spans of years to decades and require longterm substrate stability to survive.

This survey was made near a bridge crossing as are several other recently reported freshwater-mussel

surveys in the upper Allegheny River (U.S. Geological Survey, 1998, 1999). Thus, the mussel communities

present may not represent those in most of the river away from the influence of bridges. Bridges are

commonly placed in hydrologically stable areas, a condition also required by freshwater mussels. The

hydrology in the vicinity of a bridge can be profoundly altered by the rigid constriction of the river
10

channel by the supporting structure. Historically, the Allegheny River at Foxburg may have provided

suitable mussel habitat that is now degraded by mid-channel scour resulting from the two instream

pilings. Alternatively, the bridge pilings may have stabilized the river substrate along the right ascending

bank, resulting in suitable water velocities for subsequent mussel colonization. Studies of other sites, with

and without bridges (or other channel restrictions), would be needed to determine the long-term effects of

bridge placement on mussel habitat. A replacement bridge design that reduces stream scour may stabilize

the river bed at Foxburg, which would benefit both bridge safety and aquatic habitats.

REFERENCES CITED

Anderson, R.M., Layzer, J.B., and Gordon, M.E., 1991, Recent catastrophic decline of mussels (Bivalvia:

Unionidae) in the Little South Fork Cumberland River, Kentucky: Brimleyana, v. 17, p. 1-8.

Bates, J.M., and Dennis, S.D., 1969, Pennsylvania mussel studies: Final Report June 1, 1968 - October 1,

1969, Center for Aquatic Biology, Eastern Michigan University, Ypslanti, Mich., 138 p.

Coll, M.B., and Siwicki, R.W., 1998, Water resources data, Pennsylvania, water year 1998, Volume 3. Ohio

River and St. Lawrence River Basins: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Data Report PA-98-3, 352 p.

Di Maio, J., and Corkum, L.D., 1995, Relationship between the spatial distribution of freshwater mussels

(Bivalvia: Unionidae) and the hydrological variability of rivers: Canadian Journal of Zoology,

v. 73, p. 663-671.

Ellis, M.M., 1936, Erosion silt as a factor in aquatic environments: Ecology, v. 17, p. 29-42.

Hartfield, P., 1993, Headcuts and their effect on freshwater mussels, in Cummings, K.S., Buchanan, A.C.,

and Koch, L.M., eds., Conservation and management of freshwater mussels—Proceedings of a

Upper Mississippi River Conservation Committee Symposium: St. Louis, Mo., Upper Mississippi

River Conservation Commitee, p. 131-141.

Meader, M.R., Hupp, C.R., Cuffney, T.F., and Gurtz, M.E., 1993, Methods for characterizing stream habitat

as part of the National Water-Quality Assessment Program: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File

Report 93-408, 48 p.

Neel, J.K., and Allen, W.R., 1964, The mussel fauna of the upper Cumberland Basin before its

impoundment: Malacologia, v. 1, p. 427-459.

Neves, R.J., Bogan, A.E., Williams, J.D., Ahlstedt, S.A., and Hartfield, P.W., 1997, Status of aquatic mollusks

in the Southeastern United States—A downward spiral of diversity in Benz, G.W., and Collins, D.E.,

eds., Aquatic fauna in peril—The southeastern perspective—Special Publication 1: Decatur, Ga.,

Southeast Aquatic Research Institute, p. 43-86.

Ortmann, A.E., 1909, The destruction of the fresh-water fauna in Western Pennsylvania: Proceedings of

the American Philosophical Society, v. 47, no. 191, p. 90-110.

_____1919, A monograph of the naiades of Pennsylvania, Part III—Systematic account of the genera and

species: Memoirs of the Carnegie Museum, v. 8, p. 1-384.

Parmalee, P.W., and Bogan, A.E., 1998, The freshwater mussels of Tennessee: Knoxville, Tenn., The

University of Tennessee Press, 328 p.

Starnes, L.B., and Starnes, W.C., 1980, Discovery of a new population of Pegias fabula (Lea) (Unionidae):

Nautilus, v. 94, p. 5-6.

Strayer, D.L., and Jirka, K.J., 1997, The pearly mussels of New York State, New York State Memoir No. 26:

Albany, N.Y., The New York State Education Department, 113 p., 27 pls.

Thompson, S.K., 1992, Sampling: University Park, Pa., Wiley-Interscience Publication, 343 p.

Turgeon, D.D., Bogan, A.E., Coan, E.V., Emerson, W.K., Lyons, W.G., Pratt, W.L., Roper, E.F.E., Scheltema,

A., Thompson, F.G., and Williams, J.D., 1998, Common and scientific names of aquatic invertebrates

from the United States and Canada-Mollusks. Special Publication No. 26: Bethesda, Md.,

American Fisheries Society, 277 p.
11

REFERENCES CITED—CONTINUED

Trdan, R.J., and Hoeh, W.R., 1993, Relocation of two state-listed freshwater mussel species (Epioblasma

torulosa rangiana and Epioblasma triquetra) in Michigan, in Cummings, K.S., Buchanan, A.C., and

Koch, L.M., eds., Conservation and management of freshwater mussels—Proceedings of a Upper

Mississippi River Conservation Committee Symposium: St. Louis, Mo., Upper Mississippi River

Conservation Commitee, p. 100-105.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1994, Clubshell (Pleurobema clava) and northern riffleshell (Epioblasma

torulosa rangiana) recovery plan: Hadley, Mass., 68 p.

_____1996, Mussel survey protocol: State College, Pa., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Pennsylvania

Fish and Boat Commission, 9 p.

U.S. Geological Survey, [1998], Report on the first year monitoring of freshwater mussels affected by the

Kennerdell Bridge Project: Leetown, W.Va., 14 p.

_____1999, A survey of freshwater mussel populations at the West Hickory Bridge site on the Allegheny

River M.P. 158.9 S.R. 0127, Section B00 Forest County, Pennsylvania: Leetown, W.Va., 36 p.

Vaughn, C.C., Taylor, C.M., and Eberhard, K.J., 1997, A comparison of the effectiveness of timed searches

vs. quadrant sampling in mussel surveys in Cummings, K.S., Buchanan, A.C., Mayer, C.A., and

Naimo, T.J., eds., Conservation and management of freshwater mussels II—Proceedings of a Upper

Mississippi River Conservation Committee Symposium: St. Louis, Mo., Upper Mississippi River

Conservation Commitee, p.163-169.

Watters, G.T., 1988, A survey of the federally endangered white cat’s paw pearly mussel—Final report to

the Division of Fish and Wildlife: Indianapolis, Ind., Indiana Department of Natural Resources,

127 p.

_____1994, An annotated bibliography of the reproduction and propagation of the Unionidea (Primarily of

North America): Columbus, Ohio, Ohio Biological Survey Miscellaneous Contributions No. 1,

158 p.

Williams, J.D., Warren, Jr., M.L., Cummings, K.S., Harris, J.L., and Neves, R.J., 1993, Conservation status of

the freshwater mussels of the United States and Canada: Fisheries, v. 18, no. 9, p. 6-22.
12

APPENDIX

FRESHWATER MUSSEL SURVEY REPORT
FRESHWATER MUSSEL SURVEY REPORT

County: Bridge name:

USGS Quadrangle: S.R. Number:

River/stream: Lat/Long of bridge:

Tributary to: PennDOT District #:

Survey Information

Dates of survey:

Surveyor Information:

Company Name:

Surveyor’s Name:

Address:

Telephone Number:

Conditions/Site Information

Stream width: feet (average, within survey area)

Water temperature: (near stream bottom)

DEP stream designation1 (e.g., CWF, WWF, TSF, HQ:

Watershed size at bridge site: square miles 1

Survey Extent1 (check one)

100 yards upstream to 400 yards downstream of bridge

Other: upstream to downstream of bridge (requires USFWA approval)

Comments on Survey

Data analysis and comments regarding this survey will be included in final report.

Exotic Mussel Species Found During Survey (check applicable categories)

none

zebra mussel

Asiatic clam (Corbicula)

1 This information should be provided by PennDOT.

13

Clarion and Armstrong Foxburg Bridge

Emlenton, Pa. State Route 58

Allegheny River 79°40′51′′/41°08′24′′

Ohio River 10

September 1-3, 1998, and October 1-2, 1998

U.S. Geological Survey

Robert M. Anderson

1000 Church Hill Road, Suite 200, Pittsburgh, Pa., 15206

(412) 490-3810

525

72° and 68° on each sample day respectively

X

X
14

Form 2

QUALITATIVE FRESHWATER MUSSEL SURVEY REPORT: INSTREAM AND MIDDEN DATA

ALLEGHENY RIVER AT FOXBURG, PA

SEPTEMBER 1-3, 1998

[—, no data]

Common name Scientific name

Instream

(excluding quadrats) Middens

Zone 1

1 Zone: A = 0-101 yards upstream of bridge: B = 0-200 yards downstream of bridge; C = 200-404 yards downstream of bridge.

Data 2

2 Data: Report number of paired valves, and condition (L = Live, F = Fresh dead, R = Relict)

Zone 1 Data 2

 Mucket Actinonaias ligamentina A 510L A 1L, 1F, 261R

B 506L B 1F, 71R

C 1054L C 2L, 7F, 318R

 Elktoe Alasmidonta marginata A 3L A 5R

B — B 6R

C 3L C 1R

 Spike Elliptio dilatata A 362L A 3L, 1269R

B 438L B 2L

C 933L C 22F, 839R

 Northern riffleshell Epioblasma torulosa rangiana A 7L A 12R

B 9L B 1F, 6R

C 4L C 9R

 Plain pocketbook Lampsilis cardium A 7L A 3R

B 3L B 6R

C 7L C 1F, 2R

Wavyrayed lampmussel Lampsilis fasciola A 9L A 8R

B 3L B 11R

C 8L C 2F, 7R

 Pocketbook Lampsilis ovata A 12L A 2R

B 2L B —

C 13L C —

 Flutedshell Lasmigona costata A 48L A 2L, 11F

B 25L B 5L, 1F, 12R

C 38L C 9R

 Black sandshell Ligumia recta A 9L A 2R

B 12L B 2R

C 24L C 6R

 Clubshell Pleurobema clava A — A 2R

B 1L B 2R

C — C 1R

 Round pigtoe Pleurobema sintoxia A — A 1R

B — B—

C 1L C —

 Creeper Strophitus undulatus A — A 2R

B — B 4R

C 1L C 1F, 1R

 Paper pondshell Utterbackia imbecillis A — A—

B — B—

C — C 1L

 Rayed bean Villosa fabalis A 3L A 2R

B — B 1F

C 2L C 1F
15

Form 2A

QUALITATIVE FRESHWATER MUSSEL SURVEY REPORT:

DETAILED TRANSECT DATA OF LIVE MUSSELS (SUMMARIZED ON FORM 2)

ALLEGHENY RIVER AT FOXBURG, PA

SEPTEMBER 1-3, 1998, AND OCTOBER 1-2, 1998

Common name Scientific name

Zone 1, transect number and data2 (refer to Form 4)

1 Zone: A = 1-101 yards upstream of bridge; B = 0-200 yards downstream of bridge; C = 200-404 yards downstream of bridge.2 Number reported for mucket and spike are estimated in units of 50 if greater than 50.

A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 C1 C

Mucket Actinonaias ligamentina 155 200 17 62 63 13 99 200 33 75 7 75 17 400 17

Spike Elliptio dilatata 65 89 13 70 109 16 54 200 30 50 6 59 39 300 15

Flutedshell Lasmigona costata 16 12 0 1 17 2 10 7 3 0 0 2 3 6 1

Black sandshell Ligumia recta 3 2 1 2 0 1 2 4 2 1 0 3 0 8 

Pocketbook Lampsilis ovata 5 4 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 

Wavyrayed lampmussel Lampsilis fasciola 4 3 0 0 2 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 

Northern riffleshell Epioblasma torulosa rangiana 2 3 0 2 0 0 1 5 0 1 0 2 0 2 

Plain pocketbook Lampsilis cardium 2 1 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 

Elktoe Alasmidonta marginata 2 0 00 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

Rayed bean Villosa fabalis 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 

Creeper Stophitus undulatus 0 0 00 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Round pigtoe Pleurobema sintoxia 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Clubshell Pleurobema clava 0 0 00 0 00 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 254 315 33 140 194 34 168 419 68 128 13 144 59 726 34
16Form 3

QUALITATIVE FRESHWATER MUSSEL SURVEY REPORT: QUADRANT DATA

ALLEGHENY RIVER AT FOXBURG, PA

SEPTEMBER 1-3, 1998, AND OCTOBER 1-2, 1998

SURVEY AREA, QUADRANT NUMBER, and NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS PER SPE

Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 

Scientific name Q1.1 Q1.2 Q1.3 Q1.4 Q2.1 Q2.2 Q2.3 Q2.4 Q3.1 Q3.2 Q3.3 Q3.4 Q4.1 

Actinonaias ligamentina 1 1 0 0 3 20 2 0 00 0 0 Elliptio dilatata 0 0 0 0 2 21 2 0 00 0 0 Epioblasma torulosa rangiana 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Lampsilis cardium 0 0 0 0 0 00 1 0 00 0 0 Lasmigona costata 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Ligumia recta 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 10 0 0 Strophitus undulatus 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Villosa fabalis 0 0 0 0 1 00 0 0 00 0 0 

Area 5 Area 6 Area 7 

Scientific name Q5.1 Q5.2 Q5.3 Q5.4 Q6.1 Q6.2 Q6.3 Q6.4 Q7.1 Q7.2 Q7.3 Q7.4 Q8.1 

Actinonaias ligamentina 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 2 20 7 1 Elliptio dilatata 0 1 0 0 0 11 0 0 10 5 2 Epioblasma torulosa rangiana 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Lampsilis cardium 0 0 0 0 1 00 0 0 00 0 0 Lasmigona costata 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Ligumia recta 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Strophitus undulatus 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Villosa fabalis 1 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 10 0 0 

Area 9 Area 10 Area 11 

Scientific name Q9.1 Q9.2 Q9.3 Q9.4 Q10.1 Q10.2 Q10.3 Q10.4 Q11.1 Q11.2 Q11.3 Q11.4 Q12.1 

Actinonaias ligamentina 0 0 0 1 0 00 1 0 11 0 1 Elliptio dilatata 1 1 0 0 2 12 1 2 58 2 0 Epioblasma torulosa rangiana 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Lampsilis cardium 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Lasmigona costata 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 10 1 0 Ligumia recta 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Strophitus undulatus 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 00 0 0 Villosa fabalis 0 0 0 0 0 01 0 0 00 0 1 
17
18