Cloudy Lake Fish Passage
Project Detailsx
Location: Meadow Lakes, AK
Servicesx
> Culvert Design
> Stream Simulation
> Hydraulic & Hydrologic Analysis
> Surveying
>Permitting
Project Overviewx
HDL’s expertise in stream rehabilitation and fish passage projects was put to the test with this lake outlet project at the crossing of Phillips Drive. The project’s primary goal was to design a fish-friendly rehabilitation of the area, and HDL’s approach utilized Stream Simulation principles to guide the design of a large-diameter culvert and over 200 feet of new stream channel.
One of the project’s significant challenges was to achieve an acceptable stream gradient for juvenile fish passage, which required a significant channel realignment. To tackle this obstacle, HDL worked closely with the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB), United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Alaska Department of Fish and Game to ensure that all stakeholder objectives were met throughout the design process.
HDL began the project by conducting a hydraulic and hydrologic (H&H) analysis, which allowed them to gather essential information to guide the design process. In addition, the team conducted field investigations, surveying, and permitting services to ensure that all necessary steps were taken to make the fish passage project a success. Once this work was completed, HDL submitted a comprehensive Plans, Specifications, and Estimates (PS&E) package and supported the MSB during the bidding and construction phases.
Throughout the project, the team’s focus remained on designing a fish passage that would be environmentally responsible, fish-friendly, and sustainable. The team’s strong rapport with the various stakeholders involved in the project helped to ensure that these objectives were met and that the final product was a success. As a result, the area now benefits from a fully functional and eco-friendly fish passage system that promotes the health of the surrounding ecosystem.