 |
Aquatic Invasive Species
Decontamination
What is a decontamination?
A decontamination is a treatment that can involve a series of procedures to kill aquatic invasive species (AIS).
When is a decontamination required?
The Manitoba government’s Aquatic Invasive Species Regulation under The Water Protection Act requires decontamination of:
- watercraft removed from an AIS Control Zone before placing into another water body OR control zone
- water-related equipment:
- that cannot be completely dried before placing into another water body
- removed from an AIS Control Zone before placing into another water body OR control zone
Who can conduct a decontamination?
Decontamination of a conveyance (e.g., watercraft, ORV, etc.) can be conducted:
- at a watercraft inspection station run by the Manitoba government
- on your own following Schedule B of the Manitoba government’s AIS Regulation
Decontamination of water-related equipment can be conducted:
- at a watercraft inspection station run by the Manitoba government
- on your own, following Schedule C of the Manitoba government’s AIS Regulation
Where can I go get a decontamination?
Decontaminations can be performed at any of the Manitoba government's Watercraft Inspection stations. There is no fee for this service. Priority will be given to watercraft or water-related equipment that are required by law to be decontaminated. Courtesy decontaminations may be performed as time allows.
For up-to-date information on the location and operating hours of the Watercraft Inspection stations, click here.
Step-by-step method to self-decontaminate a watercraft, trailer and other water-related equipment (Schedules B and C)
The AIS Regulation prescribes thermal treatments, using either heat or cold to kill AIS, including Zebra Mussels, for watercraft and trailers. Thermal treatments can be used also to decontaminate water-related equipment, in addition, to other treatment options that can be found here. When using the hot water treatment there is no need to use soap or chemicals.
Important decontamination information
- The decontamination measures described must be used on land away from any water body, roadside ditch or drainage system such as a storm sewer.
- Do not attempt a decontamination using a car wash facility. Water temperatures are inadequate and may fail to kill AIS such as Zebra Mussels possibly resulting in their spread to:
- the facility's infrastructure
- municipal infrastructure
- a water body through a drainage system such as a storm sewer
- Before beginning a decontamination for a conveyance (e.g., watercraft) and water-related equipment, consult the owner's manual and the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure the equipment can withstand required temperatures and pressures.
Decontamination of watercraft and trailer
The watercraft and trailer may be decontaminated following Schedule B by:
- using with very hot water e.g., range between a minimum of 50°C / 122 °F and 60 °C / 140 °F (i.e., Method A)
OR
- exposing the watercraft to temperatures below -10° C / 14° F for three consecutive days (i.e., Method B)
The thermal treatment is the most important step of the decontamination as it is required to kill the AIS. If needed, after the decontamination (i.e., thermal treatment), a high pressure spray can be used to remove any remaining attached AIS, such as invasive mussels. The priority is to KILL first, then REMOVE second. Never use high pressure water to conduct a decontamination (thermal treatment).
Method A: Approved decontamination methods for watercraft and trailer using hot water
Step 1.
Treat the exterior of the watercraft or water-related equipment using hot water (minimum 60 °C / 140 °F).
Ensure:
- the water is discharged at a pressure between 40 to 60 psi
- the water is sprayed no more than 10 cm from the surface being treated (Figure 1).
- all surfaces that were in contact with surface water from the water body receive a minimum of 10 seconds of exposure to the hot water.
Figure 1. A watercraft inspector conducting a watercraft decontamination. The end of the hose is no more than 10 cm away from the surface being thermally treated with hot water.
Step 2.
Decontaminate the watercraft engine by:
- using motor muffs connected to hot water (minimum 60 °C / 140 °F), run the motor in neutral for 130 seconds.
OR
- fill a container (e.g., a garbage container or flushing bag) with hot water (minimum 60 °C /140 °F) and submerge the lower unit of the motor. Run the motor in neutral for 130 seconds.
Note: To facilitate motor draining, raise and lower the motor several times. For outboard motors, moving the motor side-to-side can also aid draining.
Step 3.
Treat compartments such as the live well, bait well, wet storage compartments and bilge areas by:
- rinsing with hot water (minimum 50°C / 122 °F) for a minimum of 90 seconds
OR
- filling with hot water (minimum 55°C / 122 °F) and letting stand for a minimum 130 seconds before draining.
Step 4.
Treat ballast tanks by filling with hot water (minimum 55°C / 122 °F) and let stand for a minimum 130 seconds before draining.
Step 5.
Dry the watercraft completely before placing into another water body.
Note: the time it takes for watercraft to dry completely increases dramatically in the spring and fall due to cooler temperatures and increased humidity. Use a towel to remove residual water, keep all compartments open and the watercraft uncovered to facilitate drying.
Method B: Approved decontamination methods for watercraft by exposing to freezing temperatures
Step 1.
Expose the watercraft to temperatures below -10 °C / 14 °F for three consecutive days
Step 2.
Ensure watercraft is dried completely before placing into another water body.
Decontamination of water-related equipment (e.g., docks, fishing gear, nets, inflatables)
The methods to decontaminate water-related equipment following Schedule C can be found by clicking here.
Removal of remaining attached AIS such as adult Zebra Mussels
Use of high pressure can assist with the removal of thermally treated AIS such as adult Zebra Mussels that were not removed from watercraft and water-related equipment prior to decontamination. This additional step ensures you are not in possession of dead Zebra Mussels, which is prohibited.
A power washer capable of producing 3,000 to 3,500 psi can be used to physically remove attached AIS. A 40-degree flat fan spray is recommended. Do not use a pinpoint (zero-degree) spray, as this could damage the watercraft. The use of high pressure may cause damage to some areas (e.g., gimbal area, transducers, motor, trim tabs) thus these areas should be avoided.
Spray the watercraft from 12-16 inches away at a 45° angle from the surface. With the flat fan spraying vertically, move the wand horizontally to systematically cover all areas of the watercraft hull and trailer which were exposed to surface water.
Disposal of detached materials from high-pressure treatment
Collect all removed materials dislodged from the watercraft and water-related equipment using the pressure treatment in a sealable bag and dispose in the trash.