Barrier and Collection Systems and Structures: Recent Developments in Technology for Downstream Fish Passage at Hydro Facilities and Compliance for Facilities Effected By EPA 316(b) Regulations

In 1985, 99 adult sockeye salmon returned to the Skagit River, imperiling the stock. Puget Sound Energy (PSE) enacted a number of strategies to support the watershed's fish populations. By 2012 after counting 48,000 returning fish, PSE invested in a full barrier netting and collection system. Success was evident when by 2014 over 1,000,000 downstream migrating salmon were counted with returns of 60,000 to 100,000 adult fish expected in 2016.

We will review the lessons learned from this and other successful local, regional and national installations of barrier and collection systems. We will discuss how fish deterrence, barriers and guidance has been accomplished at facilities ranging from high head dams in the Pacific Northwest to saltwater cooled nuclear facilities in Florida and the different designs, various components, planning, materials, engineering and technology considerations that all successful projects require.

This talk should be of interest to researchers, educators, practitioners, biologist, engineers, tribes, and regulators from around the world who are interested in methods to collect, protect or restore migratory fishes and aquatic species and/or desire to better understand downstream passage solutions or how to cost effectively prevent impingement and entrainment of listed species at facilities covered by 316(b) regulations.