Upstream Fish Passage in Umatilla, OR

Upstream Fish Passage –
Fish Behavioral, Engineering, and Related Considerations
Course ID: BIO-306 (2 days)
October 21-22, 2009 8:30 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Desert River Inn
705 Willamette St
Umatilla, OR 97882

Instructor: Steve Rainey, P.E., GEI Consultants, Inc.

Registration | Directions | Accommodations | Course Catalog | Course Brochure (PDF)

This course focuses on multidisciplinary aspects of the fish passage design development process, and is based on experience in design of upstream fishways throughout the Pacific Northwest during the last 30 years. Initial course emphasis is on fish behavior, as the key factor in site selection and design of fishway features. What constitutes an impediment, and the need for a fishway is covered, as are different types of “exclusion barriers” (those barriers designed for management purposes). Different types of fish ladders, lifts, and locks are described, with discussion of features and design criteria. Throughout the Day 1 in-class session, graphics and facility photos augment discussions. A discussion of common operations and maintenance challenges will be included, along with a fishway design exercise .

The class will also include a field trip on day 2 on which we will be touring a fish ladder/trap at 3-Mile Dam on the Umatilla River. In the afternoon, larger scale fishways will be observed at nearby McNary Dam. Observation of Day 2 fishway features will augment and reinforce informatjon covered in the Day 1 classroom setting.

Course Topics:

1. Introduction

2. Fish Behavior (in the context of fish passage)

3. Impediments

4. Preliminary Design Data Needs

5. Fish Ladder Design Types and Features

6. Exclusion Barriers

7. Fish Traps

8. Fishway Design Exercise

9. Common Problems

Accomplishments by the Instructor:
Fisheries engineering experience – 33 years
Professional engineer licenses – WA and OR
1980 - 2004 as fish passage engineer at NMFS (Portland, OR)
Provided extensive fish passage input for development of the 2000 Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion
Expertise includes design of juvenile and adult fishways, exclusion barriers and traps, from California to British Columbia
Extensive mainstem Columbia and Snake River fish passage experience, including passage through fishways, spillways, turbines, and bypass systems
5 years as fish passage engineer at GEI Consultants (Lake Oswego, OR) – 2004 – Present
While at GEI Consultants, worked on bull trout passage at four large dams in the Lake Pend Oreille drainage (Clark Fork and Pend Oreille Rivers).

After completing this course, participants will be able to:
Biologists will have a better understanding of engineering design of fishways. Engineers will have a better understanding of different type fishway design features, and design criteria. Others will have a better understanding of type fishways, impediments, and overall upstream fish passage issues.

Intended Audience: This class is tailored for engineers, biologists, managers, and those with an interest in fish passage.

Course Materials: Attendees will receive a binder containing workshop proceedings and reference material.

Continuing Education Units: 2.0

What to Bring: Pen or pencil, notepad, coffee mug, and a water bottle (to reduce waste). Please wear comfortable clothes appropriate for the prevailing weather. Coffee, tea, breakfast pastries, drinks and snacks will be provided each day. Lunch on your own.

Registration: $495 (*$395 reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students; and NAEP, NEBC, NWAEP members). You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. You may register via the registration link or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.