The environmental professionals at Alden are recognized leaders in the development of innovative fish passage and protection facilities. Our team of biologists, engineers, and technicians have been instrumental in resolving fish protection issues related to the FERC hydroelectric licensing process, CWA Section 316(b) requirements for cooling water intakes, and fish protection goals at irrigation and municipal water supply intakes. Our services include:
- FERC Licensing, NEPA compliance, §316(b) permitting
- Alternative fish protection technology assessments
- Conceptual/feasibility studies
- Detailed design and construction plans
- Laboratory evaluations of engineering performance, fish behavioral responses and swimming capabilities, and fish passage/protection efficiency
- Field evaluations of engineering and biological performance
- Fish entrainment and turbine survival analyses
- Assessment of energy impacts and economic analyses of alternatives
- Permit applications
- Agency consultation
We routinely perform biological and engineering evaluations of alternative technologies using hydraulic modeling, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), and/or laboratory and field testing studies with live fish. Our team of experts have been responsible for the advancement of existing technologies and the development of new and innovative designs, including:
- Diversion systems (Modular Inclined Screen, inclined and cylindrical wedge wire screens, angled bar racks and louvers)
- Collection systems (Ristroph traveling screens, fish pumps)
- Physical barriers (screens, bar racks, aquatic filter barriers, barrier nets)
- Behavioral deterrents (strobe light, sound, air bubble curtains)
- Fish-friendly hydro turbine designs
