Author(s): Vincent Autier

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Fish Passage; Case Study; Adaptive Management; Adjustability; Adaptation to Climate Change

Abstract: Hydroelectric dams serve an important role in attaining independence from fossil fuel and are a key component of the renewable energy portfolio. When dam removal is not feasible or when new dams are being built, fish passage must be considered and designed with adaptability in mind for the long-term use. This paper covers the need to design technical upstream fishways capable of adapting to changing conditions. Changing conditions may be environmental and influenced by climate change, such as different water quality, temperature, or flow rates. Changing conditions may also be stakeholder imposed such as the need to increase efficiency to a greater range of species, increase the operation window, and/or increase the low and high tailwater elevations. Addressing these changes may prove difficult with a concrete structure that offers minute flexibility. This paper argues that the flexibility for adaptive management should be built into the design with consideration for unexpected changes. This argument is reinforced through a case study to demonstrate the planning, construction, and operation of two upstream fishways, one temporary and one permanent, as part of the construction of a third hydroelectric dam on the Peace River in northeast British Columbia, Canada (Site C Clean Energy Project). The paper focuses on lessons learned from the temporary facility and how they informed the design and construction of the permanent facility.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000675921

Year: 2024