West Enfield Hydroelectric Project: Fish Passage Alternatives Update

The West Enfield Hydroelectric Project, licensed to Bangor-Pacific Hydro Associates (BPHA), is navigating the relicensing process, focusing on fish passage alternatives to meet environmental and conservation objectives. BPHA, in collaboration with their subconsultant Natel Energy, has been evaluating FishSafeTM runners as a potential alternative for downstream fish passage measures. Recent progress has led to the completion of feasibility design assessments, including evaluations for fish survival and energy efficiency.

Key Takeaways:

• BPHA has been working with Natel Energy to evaluate FishSafeTM runners as a potential alternative for downstream fish passage measures since April 10, 2025.
• As of June 11, 2025, Natel Energy has refined the runner geometry, completed additional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, and preliminary structural and mechanical analysis required to size the runner components and assess feasibility.
• The modeling and analysis have been substantively completed, with minor refinements still being made to optimize survival and energy efficiency.
• In May, Natel Energy issued a preliminary design drawing to five turbine manufacturers to obtain opinions of fabrication, delivery, and installation costs, with anticipated quotes expected in early July 2025.
• BPHA plans to file a revised fish passage relicensing proposal by mid-September 2025, following a meeting with stakeholders to review feasibility results.
• Results indicate that fish survival and energy efficiency objectives are feasible with the FishSafeTM runners.

Statistics:

• 27 May 2022: BPHA filed an application for a new license for the West Enfield Hydroelectric Project.
• 10 April 2025: BPHA submitted a status update for the ongoing evaluation of fish passage alternatives and a request to pause the start of the Commission's environmental assessment review.
• 11 June 2025: Natel Energy provided a status update to BPHA on the FishSafeTM runners, including completion of feasibility design assessments, CFD modeling, and structural and mechanical analysis.
• Early July 2025: Natel Energy expects to receive quotes from five turbine manufacturers.
• Early August 2025: BPHA anticipates receiving a report from Natel Energy on the preliminary design drawing.
• Mid-September 2025: BPHA plans to file a revised fish passage relicensing proposal.

Sources:

• FERC No. 2600-087 (Source)
• Bangor-Pacific Hydro Associates and Natel Energy (Source)
• Confidential e-mail correspondence with Michael Scarzello, Manager, Licensing, Brookfield Renewable (Source)