Napa County Municipal Code Ch. 6.02 Invasive Mussels

The purpose of this chapter is to help prevent the introduction of invasive mussels, such as Quagga, Zebra, and Golden Mussels, into Lake Berryessa.

(Ord. No. 1510, § 1, 7-22-2025)

As used in this chapter:

"Invasive mussel" means any mussel identified in Section 671 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, as may be amended, including Quagga, Zebra, and Golden Mussels.

"Launch" means to allow any part of a vessel, boat or other watercraft to contact the surface of Lake Berryessa.

"Motorized" means equipped with a motor to provide propulsion.

(Ord. No. 1510, § 1, 7-22-2025)

A. County employees, Sheriff's deputies, and any inspectors hired by the county, may inspect any vehicles, trailers, vessels, boats and other watercraft, whether motorized or not, that could carry or contain adult or larval invasive mussels, at any resort or recreational area at Lake Berryessa. This authority includes the right to temporarily stop any vehicles, trailers, vessels, boats and other watercraft within a resort or recreational area, or on Lake Berryessa, that may carry invasive mussels in order to conduct inspections.

B. County employees, Sheriff's deputies, and any inspectors hired by the county may deny access to Lake Berryessa and order the removal of any vessel, boat or other watercraft from the lake that:

1. Is motorized and does not display a valid and intact mussel inspection sticker, seal or tag;

2. Fails a mussel inspection at Lake Berryessa; or

3. Is not adequately inspected for mussels because a person interferes with or prevents an inspection from occurring.

C. Employees or subcontractors of concessionaires operating resort or recreational areas at Lake Berryessa may exercise the authority granted by this section.

D. Employees or representatives of the Solano County Water Agency may exercise the authority granted by this section.

E. Peace Officers as defined in Penal Code Sections 830.1 and 830.2 and whose jurisdiction includes Lake Berryessa, and Wildlife Officers with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, may exercise the authority granted by this section.

(Ord. No. 1510, § 1, 7-22-2025)

A. It is unlawful to launch any motorized vessel, motorized boat or other motorized watercraft at Lake Berryessa that does not display a valid and intact mussel inspection sticker, seal or tag.

B. It is unlawful to launch any vessel, boat, or other watercraft at Lake Berryessa that fails an inspection at the lake without being reinspected and passing inspection.

C. It is unlawful to launch any motorized vessel, motorized boat or other motorized watercraft into Lake Berryessa from anywhere other than a designated boat launch at a resort or recreational area.

(Ord. No. 1510, § 1, 7-22-2025)

A. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who violates Section 6.02.040 is guilty of an infraction, punishable by a fine as set forth in Section 1.20.150(A) of this code.

B. A person who violates Section 6.02.040 with the intent to avoid inspection or reinspection for mussels is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine, imprisonment, or both, as set forth in Section 1.20.150(B) of this code.

(Ord. No. 1510, § 1, 7-22-2025)