Fish protection technologies: The US experience

Abstract

The primary environmental effects of water intakes at thermal power plants are associated with the losses of aquatic organisms. Small organisms (fish eggs, larvae, invertebrates) entrained in the flow are subjected to mechanical, thermal, and chemical stressors. Larger organisms (juvenile and adult fish) are subject to impingement on the racks and screens that are installed to prevent passage of debris. Extensive research has been conducted since the early 1970s in attempts to develop technologies that will reduce entrainment and impingement mortality. As a result, a suite of technologies is available for fish protection at water intakes. Many of the technologies with application at cooling water intakes could also be applied at hydroelectric or irrigation/diversion projects.