Proven Project Success - Practical Cost-Effective Solutions

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Kinectrics is an established world leader in advanced fish diversion technologies

Cost-effective solutions

Kinectrics has developed cost-effective solutions for compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under 316(b), new legislation designed to minimize environmental impacts on fish and other marine organisms through the application of Best Technology Available (BTA).

International success

Kinectrics has extensive experience in the successful implementation of BTA environmental assessments at numerous power plants in both the U.S. and Canada. Recent analyses and subsequent recommendations by Kinectrics for power plants located on river and lake systems in the United States have assisted individual utilities in meeting the reduction guidelines for impingement and entrainment as required under 316(b).

Kinectrics has been involved in designing, developing and evaluating various fish diversion systems for over 20 years. Our environmental specialists present clients with a practical approach to determining BTA, based on proven scientific and environmental expertise. Kinectrics’ most recent assignments include projects for major utilities in:

• Ohio - BTA assessment review and recommendations for reducing fish entrainment and impingement at a large utility on the Ohio River.
• Ohio/Indiana - BTA assessment projects are currently in progress at 3 fossil plants on the Ohio River and 3 fossil plants on the Wabash and other river systems.
• Wisconsin - BTA assessment and evaluation of a unique intake design to minimize fish entry and bio-fouling (especially by zebra mussels) for a large utility on Lake Michigan.
• Wyoming - BTA assessment review and recommendations for reducing fish entrainment and impingement at a large utility on the Platte River.
• New Jersey - Subcontractor for the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to review and assess consultant’s material and make cost-effective recommendations for reducing fish impingement at a generating station (GS).
• Connecticut - Subcontractor for the state DEP to review and assess consultant’s material and make cost-effective recommendations for reducing GS fish entrainment.
• Ontario - BTA assessment has been completed at a large nuclear plant on Lake Ontario. Lab studies are also being carried out on fish behavioral responses to selected technologies based on report recommendations.
• Alberta -  Prototype evaluation – Kinectrics integrated and installed a unique cost-effective combination of hybrid behavioral technologies at a fossil plant for target species Northern Pike, White Sucker and Lake Whitefish.

Complete capabilities

Kinectrics' environmental services for international utilities cover the full scope of BTA assessments. We have the advanced capability to perform characterization of entrainment and impingement, prototype evaluations and installation of recommended technologies to meet the specific needs of individual facilities. Kinectrics also has the ability, using different technological approaches, to conduct lab tests on both mariine and freshwater fish.

Comprehensive Services

Typical project objectives may include:

• Environmental Impact Assessments
• Cost-effective BTA options for reducing fish entrainment and impingement
  • Innovative systems and control strategies
  • Station modifications (e.g. flow reductions)
  • Advanced fish diversion technology
  • Prototype design and evaluation (lab/field)
  • Recommendations and mitigation techniques
  • Technology integration
  • Establishing system criteria and biological effectiveness for target species
• Detailed cost and technical evalutions for proposed BTA (cost-benefit analysis)
• Recommendations for baseline studies, and BTA pilot projects
  • Timelines for baseline and pilot project assessments
  • Development of methodologies for conducting baseline entrainment and impingement studies, and sluiceway mortaility assessments
• Installation and quality project management
• Objective BTA analysis and comparison 

Innovative technology

Kinectrics is active in the ongoing investigation of new technologies. For example, we are presently evaluating strobe lights and a new "acoustic" device from Europe as potential fish diversion methods. Research is also being conducted for a Midwest utility in Wisconsin on a unique intake design concept for a Lake Michigan power plant.

For more information, contact:

Paul Patrick, 416.207.6277, paul.patrick@kinectrics.com