After months of testing in a variety of conditions, 060bio, LLC, announced they have an effective solution to a problem that has been plaguing industry and society for years – how to deal with invasive Zebra and Quagga mussels. Those new to the issue are amazed at how much damage these mussels can cause, but those who have been living with the pests can tell you stories of clogged intake lines, fouled motors, lakes completely infested, beaches ruined; millions upon millions of dollars spent trying to either identify a solution or deal with the problem. Scott Lang of 060bio, LLC states – “If we can get the word out, we can change peoples lives. These mussels effect us in so many ways. Most people are unaware.”
The company’s patent pending anti-mussel technology has first taken the form of a product called the “Dock Disk™”. This soft, foam rubber 7.5″ diameter disk is easy to use and is designed to serve the boating community. One simply hangs the Dock Disks around the border of the a slip or dock and a mussel-free zone is established. Depending upon prevailing conditions, one can expect each Dock Disk™ to have an effective radius of 8 to 10 ft, and should last up to 8 months. The handy hanging system makes it a snap to replace the used Disk. Boat owners who are tired of scraping the mussels from everything and are tired of worrying about their engine intakes can now rest assured. Marina owners now have the opportunity to provide their clients with a mussels-free slip. As Dan Harwood, CFO of 060bio puts it, “This product not only allows boat owners peace of mind, but also could provide a possible profit center for marina owners. Most people would be willing to pay a premium for a mussel-free slip.”
So what are we talking about here? A poison, a pesticide, an electrical device, something that kills or harms other species? None of the above, as it turns out. Not only is the company’s patent pending anti-mussel technology’s active ingredient non-toxic and environmentally safe for flora and fauna, but it meets US EPA and US FDA standards for potable water. In addition, it passes ANSI/NSF Standard 42 regulations for drinking water system components. In other words, it is safe for anyone and everyone to use.
“We have had great results from our testing sites. Mussels have met their match,” says Paul Coxe, CEO of 060Bio. “The boating industry is just the beginning, however.” Coxe points out that estimates from $500 million to $3 billion dollars a year are spent in the US by various industries on dealing with the effect of these mussels. That cost is, for the most part, passed on to the consumers.
“Any industry or company or entity that uses fresh water has been or will be effected by the infestation of invasive mussels. We now have an effective, inexpensive, safe and easy to use weapon against them,” Coxe says. “This Anti-Mussel Technology that we use for boats can be adapted to other industries in need of a solution to their mussel problems.”
“Electrical generation, irrigation, drinking water, fire suppression, manufacturing, etc… Our focus as a company is to help eradicate invasive species where they exist, and return the native biological balance to the infected area, but also to help us all live better lives.”