Project Alternatives to Benefit Endangered Species

by John E. Velehradsky, US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, NE, USA,
James R. Taylor, US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha, NE, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

In April 1986, the Missouri River Division, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, determined that operation of the main stem system had the potential to adversely affect the listed species. Consultation was initiated with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and site specific interior least tern and piping plover studies were conducted. Preliminary data indicate that project flow releases should be stablized during the interior least tern and piping plover nesting season. Flow stabilization, however, reduces hydroelectric power capacity during peak demand periods and increases system storage. Alternatives include recouping lost energy by provision and operation of hydroelectric units in project spillways and removal of vegetation from higher elevation islands and sandbars located downstream from the main stem projects. The latter alternative creates interior least tern and piping plover nesting habitat at elevations above normal system discharge levels.

Subject Headings: Hydro power | Spillways | Project management | Water discharge | Reservoirs | Endangered species | Rivers and streams | Missouri River

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