Invasive Species Impacts on Infrastructure

Authors

Invasive Species Advisory Committee

Date of this Version

12-6-2016

Citation

Invasive Species Advisory Committee, December 6, 2016

Also available at https://www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/uploads/isac_infrastructure_white_paper.pdf

Comments

United States government work

Abstract

Executive Summary

Invasive species represent one of the most significant threats to ecosystems, human and animal health, infrastructure, the economy, and cultural resources. Because potentially invasive, non-native species typically enter the United States through ports of entry in urban environments, some of the first observable impacts may be to infrastructure, yet little is known about the economic costs associated with these impacts to the “built” environment. In addition, federal agencies currently lack the authority necessary to effectively prevent, eradicate, and control invasive species that impact the human-built environment. This lack of authority prevents rapid response to some of the most damaging invasive species and also limits the ability of agencies to prioritize and allocate the resources necessary to control invasive species that threaten infrastructure (2016–2018 NISC Management Plan).

In this report we respond to two Action Items in the 2016–2018 Management Plan:

1. Compile case studies of the invasive species impacts on infrastructure in the United States and make them available through the NISC website or other public domain (Action 4.2.1) and

2. Taking into consideration the output of Action 4.2.1, develop guidance that enables Federal agencies to take the necessary action to prevent, eradicate, and control non-native species that harm or have the potential to harm infrastructure within the United States and its overseas territories (Action 4.2.2).

To that end, this report defines what constitutes infrastructure and the relationship to federal agency authorities, goes on to describes four types of infrastructure including power, water, transportation, and housing systems, and then documents the infrastructure and non-infrastructure impacts of five representative invasive species through detailed case studies. We conclude the report with a set of recommendations to help federal agencies take the necessary action to prevent, eradicate, and control invasive species that have the potential to harm infrastructure within the United States.