In performing many fish protection and passage studies over more than 30 years, Alden has become an expert in resolving other design, construction, and O&M problems at intakes such as:
- Head losses that impact facility energy production
- Fouling/clogging by biogrowth, debris, sediment, and ice that can reduce flow through a structure and increase head losses and hydrostatic forces
- Changes in sedimentation patterns on structural function and resulting maintenance requirements (e.g., dredging)
- Alternative construction techniques and methods, the use of proper construction materials, and the extent to which onsite and offsite preassembly of components can be successfully utilized
- Means for minimizing O&M costs
Close cooperation between Alden engineers and scientists ensures that a design will be biologically effective, practicable to construct, operate and maintain, and cost-effective while meeting regulatory requirements.
