Concurrent Sessions A: Nature Like Fishways - Stream Simulation Fish Passage Systems in the Pacific Northwest: An Interagency Project Design Selection Handbook
Location
Construction & Engineering Hall, Oregon State University
Start Date
26-6-2013 10:40 AM
End Date
26-6-2013 11:00 AM
Description
Stream Simulation or Nature -Like fish passage has become an increasingly more popular technique to provide passage at channel spanning structures. In the Pacific Northwest (PNW), stream simulation techniques have been implemented at many locations to address fish passage at irrigation diversion dams that may include push –up dam removal, structure modification or structure removal and replacement with a stream simulation system. These projects often consist of bypass channels, in-line passage systems or hybrid modifications that provide hydraulic conditions more representative of the reach scale stream environment. Additional benefits include reduced behavioral impacts to migrating species and lower operational risk through mismanagement or lack of maintenance of a traditional technical fish ladder system. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) fund and provide technical design assistance on fish passage projects throughout the (PNW) as a component of mitigation activities for the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). Over the last decade, many examples of stream simulation passage projects have been implemented by these agencies and the recent Habitat Improvement Program Biologic Opinion (BPA’s primary Endangered Species Compliance Process) has encouraged the use of stream simulation in diversion passage design. Considering the evolving nature of this technique, BPA and BOR have initiated a process to review and catalog the many projects that have been implemented using these techniques. The outcome of this effort is the development of a handbook of implemented examples that local sponsors and cooperating entities can use to evaluate stream simulation passage alternatives for their respective projects. The handbook uses a consistent format and summarizes the following data types: project goals, background and photos of the pre project conditions, relevant site data summary including critical lows, hydraulics and geomorphology, and project site plans, details and post implementation photos. Post implementation performance is also described as well as any documented operations and maintenance.
Concurrent Sessions A: Nature Like Fishways - Stream Simulation Fish Passage Systems in the Pacific Northwest: An Interagency Project Design Selection Handbook
Construction & Engineering Hall, Oregon State University
Stream Simulation or Nature -Like fish passage has become an increasingly more popular technique to provide passage at channel spanning structures. In the Pacific Northwest (PNW), stream simulation techniques have been implemented at many locations to address fish passage at irrigation diversion dams that may include push –up dam removal, structure modification or structure removal and replacement with a stream simulation system. These projects often consist of bypass channels, in-line passage systems or hybrid modifications that provide hydraulic conditions more representative of the reach scale stream environment. Additional benefits include reduced behavioral impacts to migrating species and lower operational risk through mismanagement or lack of maintenance of a traditional technical fish ladder system. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) fund and provide technical design assistance on fish passage projects throughout the (PNW) as a component of mitigation activities for the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). Over the last decade, many examples of stream simulation passage projects have been implemented by these agencies and the recent Habitat Improvement Program Biologic Opinion (BPA’s primary Endangered Species Compliance Process) has encouraged the use of stream simulation in diversion passage design. Considering the evolving nature of this technique, BPA and BOR have initiated a process to review and catalog the many projects that have been implemented using these techniques. The outcome of this effort is the development of a handbook of implemented examples that local sponsors and cooperating entities can use to evaluate stream simulation passage alternatives for their respective projects. The handbook uses a consistent format and summarizes the following data types: project goals, background and photos of the pre project conditions, relevant site data summary including critical lows, hydraulics and geomorphology, and project site plans, details and post implementation photos. Post implementation performance is also described as well as any documented operations and maintenance.
Comments
Sean Welch is a P.E. and the Program Engineer for Bonneville Power Administration's Fish and Wildlife Program. Sean supports the delivery of BPA’s Fish and Wildlife program as the technical expert in hydraulic engineering, river mechanics, hydrology and geomorphology. Sean performs geomorphology assessments; watershed assessments; planning and design of habitat restoration and fish passage projects; design review; assessment of restoration project effects on fluvial systems and develops technical criteria and standards for BPA's policies affecting restoration and conservation activities.