EVENT DETAIL

Program: NATURE-LIKE FISH PASSAGE ON THE SUSQUEHANNA RIVER AT YORK HAVEN DAM

Mr. Gabriel Martin, PE, CPESC, Kleinschmidt Associates, Strasburg, PA

York Haven Hydroelectric Project is the upstream most of the 4 large hydroelectric projects on the Lower Susquehanna River. The hydroelectric project owned and operated York Haven Power Company (YHPC), a subsidiary of Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, consists of a powerhouse on the York County side and 2 dams. The Main Dam is over a mile long spanning the river from York Haven, in York County, to Three Mile Island and the East Channel Dam spans from Three Mile Island to Londonderry Township, in Dauphin County. The dam limits the natural upstream migration of diadromous fish species that have historically utilized this river, including American Shad and American Eel. These species need to migrate upstream, from saltwater to freshwater, to support their life cycle.

As part of the most recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing of the project, YHPC agreed to construct a nature-like fishway at the Main Dam abutment on Three Mile Island. Kleinschmidt assisted York Haven Power Company through design, permitting, and construction of the nature-like fishway (NLF). The nature-like fishway mimics a natural waterway and is approximately 120 feet wide and 700 feet long with 7 feet of head. The NLF consists of 1 concrete weir, 11 boulder weirs, and an entrance rock riffle. Construction involved the excavation of 55,000 cubic yard of soil and rock and placement of 15,800 tons of boulders and riprap. The fishway is the largest of its kind at an operating hydroelectric facility and the one of the largest on the east coast. The history of the project, design considerations, construction challenges, and lessons learned will be discussed.

Gabe is a Water Resources Engineer at Kleinschmidt Associates, specializing in nature-like fish passage, dam decommissioning, stormwater management, and erosion and sediment control. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, Capital College (Harrisburg).

Recruitment Event

The Student Chapter will be hosting a Recruitment Event from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM prior to the dinner meeting. Engineering firms are invited to participate and connect with students seeking internship and employment opportunities. Setup begins at 4:30 PM. If your firm is interested in participating, please RSVP as soon as possible to Andy Ottinger at [email protected].