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Evaluation of Modular and Scalable Downstream Passage Systems for Silver American Eels

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1772578· OSTI ID:1772578
 [1];  [2];  [2];  [2];  [2];  [2];  [3];  [3];  [4]
  1. Alden Research Laboratory, Inc., Holden, MA (United States); Alden Research Laboratory, Inc.
  2. Alden Research Laboratory, Inc., Holden, MA (United States)
  3. Lakeside Engineering, Inc., Mirror Lake, NH (United States)
  4. Blue Leaf Environmental LLC, Ellensburg, WV (United States)
+ Show Author Affiliations
Implementation of effective downstream passage for silver-phase American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) at hydropower dams using methods that are economically feasible has been a challenge for many project owners. Due to the potential for high mortality rates during turbine passage, resource agencies have focused on mandatory prescriptions that prevent entrainment by physically excluding eels (i.e., narrow trash rack bar spacing) or eliminating turbines as a passage route (i.e., unit shutdowns at night when eel movement is greatest). Both of these options can significantly impact the economic viability of a project. Consequently, there is a need for alternative technologies that can provide safe and effective downstream passage for silver eels without having a major impact on the ability of a project to generate power during the eel downstream migration period. This need is of particular concern now because about 300 hydropower projects within the range of American Eel freshwater habitats are scheduled to be relicensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the next 15 years
Research Organization:
Alden Research Laboratory, Inc., Holden, MA (United States); Lakeside Engineering, Inc., Mirror Lake, NH (United States); Blue Leaf Environmental LLC, Ellensburg, WV (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Water Power Technologies Office
DOE Contract Number:
EE0008338
OSTI ID:
1772578
Report Number(s):
DOE-ALDEN--0008338
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
American eel
downstream passage
fish bypass
fish passage
hydropower
turbine survival