Cumulative Effects of Micro-Hydro Development on the Fisheries of the Swan River Drainage, Montana, Volume I, Summary, 1983-1984 Final Report.
This study was designed to develop and apply methods to evaluate the cumulative effects of 20 proposed small hydro projects on the fisheries resources of the Swan River drainage located in northwestern Montana. Fish population and reach classification information was used to estimate total populations of 107,000 brook trout, 65,000 cut-throat trout and 31,000 juvenile bull trout within the tributary system. Distribution, abundance, and life history of fish species in the drainage and their contribution to the sport fishery were considered in the cumulative impact analysis. Bull trout were chosen as the primary species of concern because of their extensive use of project areas, sensitivity to streambed sedimentation, and their importance to the lake and river sport fisheries. Dewatering of hydroelectric diversion zones and streambed sedimentation (resulting from forest and small hydro development) were the major impacts considered. The developer proposed to divert up to the entire streamflow during low flow months because maintenance of recommended minimum bypass flows would not allow profitable project operation. Dewatering was assumed to result in a total loss of fish production in these areas. 105 refs., 19 figs., 38 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) and U.S.D.A. Forest Service
- Sponsoring Organization:
- United States. Bonneville Power Administration.
- DOE Contract Number:
- 1983BP39802
- OSTI ID:
- 5359683
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/BP-36717-1; R&D Project: 198201900; ON: DE85016242
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Cumulative Effects of Micro-Hydro Development on the Fisheries of the Swan River Drainage, Montana, Volume II, Technical Information, 1983-1984 Final Report.
Cumulative Effects of Micro-Hydro Development on the Fisheries of the Swan River Drainage, Montana, Volume III, Fish and Habitat Inventory of Tributary Streams, 1983-1984 Final Report.
Related Subjects
13 HYDRO ENERGY
FISHERIES
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
TROUT
BASELINE ECOLOGY
DEFORESTATION
MONTANA
SEDIMENTS
WATER REMOVAL
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ECOLOGY
FEDERAL REGION VIII
FISHES
NORTH AMERICA
POWER PLANTS
REMOVAL
USA
VERTEBRATES
Fishes - Counting - Montana - Swan River Watershed
520500* - Environment
Aquatic- Site Resource & Use Studies- (-1989)
520100 - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- (-1989)
130600 - Hydro Energy- Environmental Aspects