Trillions of invasive mussels in Lake Mead

LAS VEGAS (AP) - University researchers estimate that Lake Mead's Boulder Basin is infested with nearly three trillion invasive mussels.

Researchers from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas announced the new estimate of quagga mussels on Thursday, roughly two years after the invasive species was first discovered in the lake.

The National Park Service and UNLV team say they're launching a new monitoring plan to manage the infestation this summer.

UNLV professor David Wong says the monitoring will help prevent the small mussels from causing further damage to water pipelines, boats and the lake's ecosystem.

Wong says he does not expect the lake to ever be free of the mussels.