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Barrier net can benefit small hydroelectric plants

Journal Article · · Hydro Review; (United States)
OSTI ID:5536786
 [1]
  1. Wisconsin Electric Power Co., Milwaukee, WI (United States)
The Wisconsin Electric Power Co., with the support of the Electric Power Research Institute, has completed a two-year study of a barrier net system for fish protection at one of its hydro projects. The utility reports the system successfully limited fish entrainment at its 4-MW Pine Hydroelectric Plant, which is located on the Pine River, a tributary of the Menominee River. The study concludes that the custom-designed barrier net system, which cost approximately $4,000, may represent the most cost-effective fish protection system currently available for limiting fish entrainment at small hydroelectric projects. The utility estimates that installation of barrier nets could save it as much as $11.8 million in the construction of alternative fish protection technologies and corresponding power replacement at three of its hydro plants -- Pine, Chalk Hill, and White Rapids. Wisconsin Electric also reports the availability of a low-cost method for reducing fish entrainment should mitigate regulatory concerns about turbine-induced fish mortality on the Pine River.
OSTI ID:
5536786
Journal Information:
Hydro Review; (United States), Journal Name: Hydro Review; (United States) Vol. 11:3; ISSN HYREE8; ISSN 0884-0385
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English