Potash companies better ramp up the production of potash because of this unique and the only environmentally feasible way --- to kill zebra mussels in harbours around the world. Dumping 400 tons of potash into one Manitoba harbour to reach sufficient saturation point to kill zebra mussels at a cost of $500,000. ---------will surely put some pressure on the price of potash.

'Conservation Minister Gord Mackintosh said the province knew it had to act if there was to be a "fighting chance" of keeping the mussels out of Lake Winnipeg. The potash plan will cost $500,000, but Mackintosh said it could save millions down the road if the mussels are eradicated.

"This is a difficult situation and the implications can be long-term," he said in the legislature Monday. "Where we do have some information about the prevalence of zebra mussels, (they) are treated according to the best science that is available."

The province is focusing on a long-term strategy to ensure the mussels don't take hold, he said.

"We'll ensure that the surveillance is increased."

But Conservative critic Shannon Martin said even though the government has spent $500,000 dumping 400 tonnes of potash in the harbours, he hasn't heard a long-term strategy to ensure the mussels don't return once the curtains are raised.

The province owns only two decontamination machines which hose down boats when they come out of the water and are able to detach the mussels, he said.

"There doesn't seem to be a plan to do followup," he said.'