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

17.5.1 Review the FERC License and Lower Penobscot River Multiparty
Settlement Agreement (MPA) for Specific Fish Passage Deliverables at
Howland for Juvenile and Adult American Eel
The hydro license issued for the Howland Project needs review to determine what
articles, if any, were included by FERC that address fish passage. Similarly, the
MPA contains specific language on fish passage provisions that could affect
timelines listed in the work plan. Additionally, the MPA 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.
17.5.2 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 adult
and juvenile American eel. There is a need to synthesize this information to provide
for baseline conditions and to inform future studies and management decisions.
17.5.3 Develop Assessment Study Plans, Conduct Fish Passage Efficiency
Studies, and Develop Recommendations for Fish Passage Improvements at
Howland within 10 years
Once the review outlined in 17.5.2 is complete, studies of any newly constructed fish
passage facilities and Howland bypass will need to undergo rigorous testing to
ensure they function properly and are effective in passing the target restoration fish
species. All studies should be undertaken over the course of a minimum of three
field seasons within 10 years.
17.5.4 Complete Fish Passage Improvements at Howland Based on Passage
Efficiency Studies
Once fish passage efficiency studies are complete, redesign of existing facilities or
bypass, operational changes to existing facilities or bypass, and/or installation of
additional fish passage facilities at the Howland Dam are to be undertaken.
17.5.5 Assess Fish Passage Improvements for American Eel at Howland
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 juvenile and adult
American eel.
17.6.1 Review FERC Licenses and FERC License Exemptions for Specific Fish
Passage Deliverables at Remaining Tributary Dams for Juvenile and Adult
American Eel
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
that address fish passage.
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