Protecting Paddlefish and Game at Bagnell Dam
At Ameren UE’s Bagnell Dam on Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks, aquatic life was facing an ongoing challenge: adult paddlefish and other game fish were at risk of entrainment and impingement as they neared the facility’s turbine intakes. To address this issue, Pacific Netting Products was brought in to design and implement a comprehensive exclusion system—one that would protect valuable fish populations while ensuring operational efficiency at the hydroelectric plant. Our team engineered a full exclusion netting barrier that balances environmental stewardship with engineering performance. This project required close coordination with biologists, the facility’s fish committee, and the dam’s engineering consultants to ensure the system met ecological standards, regulatory requirements, and mechanical demands—without compromise.
Collaborative Design
The project began with extensive research and testing. We developed and installed sample barriers to observe fish behavior and determine the optimal mesh size that would prevent fish passage without disrupting natural movement. This testing was critical in gaining approval from the biologists and regulatory teams overseeing the lake’s aquatic life.
We also worked hand-in-hand with the dam’s engineers to design a fail-safe, durable deployment system placed just 10 feet from the nearest turbine intake—one of the most challenging locations possible. A specialized debris net system was incorporated to manage flow and protect the exclusion netting from clogging or damage.
Proven Long-Term Performance
Since installation, the system has been operating for over 15 years with zero failures and minimal maintenance. It remains a trusted solution for fish exclusion, delivering consistent performance under varying flow conditions.
A Model for Future Facilities
The success of the Bagnell Dam project demonstrates how Pacific Netting Products’ custom-engineered solutions can effectively balance environmental protection with the operational needs of hydroelectric facilities. It’s a model we’re proud of—and one we’re ready to replicate wherever aquatic safety is a priority.
KEY FEATURES
- Full Exclusion Netting Barrier
- 1,200 ft long x 120 ft deep
- 1″ x 1″ and 2″ x 2″ Dyneema Netting
- Located Within 10 ft of the Nearest Intake
- Debris Net: 850 ft x 20 ft Installed 12 ft Upstream
- Designed for Single Direction Flow
- Periodic Reverse Directional Currents
- Water Flow Velocities of 1.0 to 3.4 fps
- Minimal Maintenance
- Panelized, Component Construction
location: Lake of the ozarks, missouri
APPLICATION: GUIDANCE AND BARRIER NETTING
