Freshwater mussels are returning to Pennsylvania after centuries of decline due to pollution and river dredging.Beginning on May 27, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will implement a critical habitat covering over 3,800 river miles, including in Pennsylvania, to protect four endangered freshwater mussel species: the snuffbox, the sheepnose, the rayed bean and the spectaclecase.These animals are helpers in aquatic ecosystems.”Very important because they filter out the water. And what that means is that helps with sewage treatment,” said Rick Spear, aquatic biologist supervisor with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.A recent survey by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission found that freshwater mussel populations, including the rayed bean, are rebounding in the Allegheny River near New Kensington. Downriver in the Ohio River, additional unique species have been uncovered.”We found over 100 individuals that represented eight different species,” said Shawn McWilliams, project engineer with the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority.Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube ChannelAhead of a new construction project, ALCOSAN conducted an environmental study of the Emsworth Pool, identifying and relocating the native freshwater mussels.”According to the sources with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat, this was the first time since 1904 that this diversity of mussels has been seen in the Ohio River,” McWilliams said.Spear expressed optimism for the mussel population in southwestern Pennsylvania with the new critical habitat designation.”You not only need to protect the animal, but you need to protect their habitat. And by protecting their habitat, you can give them a better chance,” Spear said. Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. —

Freshwater mussels are returning to Pennsylvania after centuries of decline due to pollution and river dredging.

Beginning on May 27, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will implement a critical habitat covering over 3,800 river miles, including in Pennsylvania, to protect four endangered freshwater mussel species: the snuffbox, the sheepnose, the rayed bean and the spectaclecase.

These animals are helpers in aquatic ecosystems.

“Very important because they filter out the water. And what that means is that helps with sewage treatment,” said Rick Spear, aquatic biologist supervisor with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

A recent survey by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission found that freshwater mussel populations, including the rayed bean, are rebounding in the Allegheny River near New Kensington. Downriver in the Ohio River, additional unique species have been uncovered.

“We found over 100 individuals that represented eight different species,” said Shawn McWilliams, project engineer with the Allegheny County Sanitary Authority.

Looking for more news in your area | Subscribe to the WTAE YouTube Channel

Ahead of a new construction project, ALCOSAN conducted an environmental study of the Emsworth Pool, identifying and relocating the native freshwater mussels.

“According to the sources with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat, this was the first time since 1904 that this diversity of mussels has been seen in the Ohio River,” McWilliams said.

Spear expressed optimism for the mussel population in southwestern Pennsylvania with the new critical habitat designation.

“You not only need to protect the animal, but you need to protect their habitat. And by protecting their habitat, you can give them a better chance,” Spear said.

Download the WTAE app to stay connected with breaking news. Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news in your inbox.