PNP Floating Fish Guidance System
PNP Containment Solutions recently designed and manufactured a custom Fish Guidance System for the Duke Energy to protect critical infrastructure and improve public safety. The Wateree Hydroelectric Development is part of the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project in South Carolina. Located in the Santee River Basin, it has operated since 1919 and generates 82 MW of power with five units. The facility controls river flows downstream with a maximum station flow of 15,900 cubic feet per second.
In 2015, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) renewed the project’s license. This included a requirement for fish guidance to support species like American Shad, Blueback Herring, and American Eel. These migratory fish must travel upstream each year to spawn. Duke Energy needed to install a reliable system that would guide fish safely past the powerhouse.
Challenges
This task was challenging due to strong flows and complex infrastructure, making upstream migration difficult. Duke Energy had to find a solution that was effective, durable, and environmentally safe.
PNP Containment Solutions, a specialized engineering and fabrication company, was chosen to design and fabricate the HDPE Floating Fish Guidance System. The system was developed to meet the specific needs of the Wateree Hydroelectric Project while complying with the FERC license requirements and USFWS fish passage prescriptions.
Key Design Features
- Durable Material: The system uses High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which resists corrosion and biofouling in tough environments.
- Floating Design: It floats with changing water levels, staying in the right position to guide fish.
- Effective Fish Guidance: Built-in barriers and deflectors direct fish toward the fishway entrance while keeping them safe from strong currents.
- Minimal Impact: The system installs with little disruption to water quality, habitats, or existing structures.
PNP pre-fabricated the system and installed it in stages to avoid disrupting power operations. Once in place, it was tested and proven to work under various conditions.
Result
The HDPE system now helps thousands of fish migrate safely each season. It meets all FERC and USFWS requirements while protecting local ecosystems. Duke Energy now has a sustainable, long-term solution that supports both power generation and wildlife conservation.
