Location: SUNOL, CALIFORNIA
Sponsor: Alameda County Water District
APPLICATION: FISH PASSAGE
The Alameda Creek Diversion Dam, located in the remote Sunol Regional Wilderness Park southeast of San Francisco, serves as an essential infrastructure element in managing water collection for the Calaveras Reservoir. By channeling water through a tunnel system, the dam helps ensure efficient water management in this region. A key part of this project was addressing the need for fish passage, particularly for the steelhead trout, which includes a distinct population segment listed in the Endangered Species Act.
New Diversion Structure
To promote fish migration while maintaining watertight and effective debris management, a new diversion structure was designed and installed in the creek bed. This structure, featuring advanced technology from Pacific Netting Products (PNP), supports the conservation of both juvenile and adult steelhead trout. The system includes four tee-shaped fish screens, an intake manifold, a wet well, and three adjoining concrete-box culverts. These components work in tandem to ensure proper water flow while providing safe passage for fish.
Since its founding in 1997, Pacific Netting Products (PNP) has become a leader in exclusion, guidance, and collection systems, specializing in the use of rot-resistant, UV-resistant HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) floating structures and netting options. PNP is internationally recognized for offering high-quality solutions that are both durable and environmentally friendly. Their expertise in designing structures for dams and water bodies has made them a trusted name in the industry.
Custom MultiFunction Boom™
For the Alameda Creek project, PNP’s Custom MultiFunction Boom™ was a critical addition. The boom is designed to float during high water flow and be suspended when dry, enabling efficient debris guidance while also safeguarding the passage of both juvenile and adult finfish species. This system is crucial for ensuring that endangered steelhead trout can move freely without interference. The PNP boom, made from rot-resistant and UV-resistant HDPE materials, ensures long-lasting durability and reduced maintenance, even in the extreme conditions of a flashy river like Alameda Creek.
INSTALLATION FEATURES:
- Length: 121 feet
- HDPE Boom size: Class 3 / 30-inch diameter
- Depth: 4 feet under floatation
- 6 debris barrier panels with galvanized steel frames
- PNP HDPE pile sliders to reduce friction and moving parts
- Anchored by wall beam slider and pile sliders
- Simplified, streamlined, and robust
- Suitable for an extremely flashy river
By incorporating these innovations, the Alameda Creek Diversion Dam project not only enhances water management but also supports the passage and conservation of fish species through effective and sustainable design solutions.
