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

contains specific language on fish passage provisions that could affect timelines
listed in the work plan. Additionally, the MSA spells out specific fish passage
strategies depending on whether the Veazie and Great Works dams are removed
and the Howland Dam is bypassed as well as to which entity would be responsible
for funding, installing, and operating the fish passage facilities.
16.2.2 Review Existing Fish Passage Studies for Juvenile and Adult American
Eel Undertaken within the Penobscot River Watershed
Over the past few years, there have been several studies undertaken by hydro dam
operators attempting to determine the efficiency of fish passage facilities for juvenile
and adult American eel. There is a need to synthesize this information to provide for
baseline conditions and to inform future passage studies for American eel.
16.2.3 Develop Assessment Study Plans, Conduct Fish Passage Efficiency
Studies, and Develop Recommendations for Fish Passage Improvements for
Juvenile and Adult American Eel at Mainstem Dams
Upstream fish passage facilities have recently been installed at some mainstem
dams specifically targeting American eel. Likewise, downstream passage facilities
have been constructed at some but not all of the mainstem dams. Once the review
outlined in 16.2.2 is complete, studies of existing fish passage facilities will need to
be undertaken to further understand bottlenecks and/or poor performance of fish
passage facilities to make them more effective in successfully passing juvenile and
adult American eel around hydro projects. Any newly constructed fish passage
facilities will need to undergo rigorous testing to ensure they function properly and
are effective in passing American eel. All studies should be undertaken over the
course of a minimum of three field seasons after the Veazie and Great Works dams
are removed
16.2.4 Complete Fish Passage Improvements Based on Passage Efficiency
Studies
Once fish passage efficiency studies are complete, redesign of existing facilities,
operational changes to the existing facilities, and/or installation of additional fish
passage facilities are to be undertaken.
16.2.5 Assess Fish Passage Improvements for Juvenile and Adult American
Eel at Mainstem Dams
A minimum of three field seasons are needed to verify that the improvements allow
the fish passage facilities to meet efficiency goals for passage of adult and juvenile
American eel.
17.1.1 Review FERC Licenses, FERC License Exemptions, and Lower
Penobscot River Multiparty Settlement Agreement (MPA) for Specific Fish
Passage Deliverables for Juvenile and Adult Atlantic Salmon at Tributary
Dams
Hydro licenses and license exemptions issued for dams located on Penobscot River
tributaries need review to determine what articles, if any, were included by FERC
PRFP Page 68