Operational Plan for the Restoration of Diadromous Fishes to the ...

comprise the majority of fish passing upstream through the Proposed Bypass following
implementation of restoration projects in the Penobscot River watershed, and operation of
the TSCF would therefore require handling of these fish.
Fish entering the trap system would be manually sorted with dip nets or similar equipment.
Manual operations would require skilled staff on a daily basis while target restoration
species are active. As presented herein, the TSCF can be used for both single and twostage
manual sorting of trapped fish. It is envisioned that two-stage sorting would be used
initially to provide for the evaluation of sorting efficacy at excluding target exclusion species.
Configuration of the sorting area for single or two-stage sorting would be accomplished
through opening and closing gates between the sorting area immediately adjacent to the
trap and the hydraulic inlet to the TSCF in the Howland Dam impoundment on the
Piscataquis River. Trash racks or other means of excluding debris from the TSCF and/or
Proposed Bypass may be necessary.
3.2 Facility Details
This section presents more-detailed information on the TSCF, including design alternatives
and facility operations.
3.2.1 Location
Site-specific factors and functional considerations suggest that a facility located towards the
upstream end of the Proposed Bypass would be most appropriate. This determination is
based on biological factors, the generally steep banks downstream from Howland Dam,
potential flooding of a facility situated adjacent to the confluence of the Piscataquis and
Penobscot Rivers, and constructability.
Location of a TSCF along the upper reach of the Proposed Bypass has a number of
apparent practical advantages over a system located along the downstream reach of the
bypass channel.
Installation of a TSCF on the upper reach of the Proposed Bypass would likely result in
fewer fish dropping back through the Proposed Bypass, particularly if flow speeds are lower
in the Proposed Bypass upstream from the TSCF. Locating the TSCF at the upstream end
of the Proposed Bypass along the Howland Dam impoundment would apparently minimize
the potential for fish dropping-back through the TSCF. Appropriate conditions for upstream
fish passage upstream from the TSCF are also necessary to reduce impingement of fish on
the TSCF appurtenances (e.g., bar racks). Locating the TSCF along the upper reach of the
Proposed Bypass may also limit the number of fish entering the system, as weak and/or
injured fish and fish that lack a strong urge to move upstream through the system may not
move far enough up the bypass channel to reach the TSCF.
The high steep banks downstream from the Howland Dam pose a number of practical
issues relevant to the TSCF, including potential flooding, constructability, access, and
operations and maintenance. Potential flooding constraints can be determined using typical
engineering methods, and would need to consider maximum water surface elevations in the
Penobscot River and potential overwashing of the adjacent land during flood events in the
Piscataquis River. Permanent access for heavy equipment to the TSCF would likely be
required, including tank trucks for “trap and truck” stocking. A TSCF located on the upper
reach of the Proposed Bypass would likely have easier access for such equipment.
PRFP Page 273