Pennsylvania Hydroelectric Project Implements Fishway for Migratory Species
Engineers at the York Haven Hydroelectric Project have constructed a nature-like fishway to facilitate the upstream migration of American shad and river herring, addressing a critical barrier posed by the dam. This project fulfills regulatory requirements while allowing continued electricity generation.

The York Haven Hydroelectric Project has completed a new fishway designed to enable upstream migration for American shad and river herring, responding to a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requirement. Initially proposed as a 300-foot wide structure, the final design was narrowed to meet environmental standards while ensuring functionality within the constraints of an existing century-old dam.
The construction utilized low river flows to mitigate environmental impact and maintain electric power generation. While the fishway is operational, its effectiveness in facilitating fish passage remains to be evaluated, a concern shared by hydropower operators across North America as they adapt to regulatory pressures.




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