Background:
All engineering designs for tide gate repair or replacement projects must meet local, state, and federal regulatory requirements to construct the project. One of the biggest regulatory influences on tide gate designs is the state and federal fish passage requirements. Design options must meet requirements for fish passage, but the preparation of engineering plans can be challenging and costly. Resources to help reduce the cost of project engineering are needed.
Actions:
A subgroup of Tide Gate Partnership members is working with an engineering firm, Northwest Hydraulic Consultants (NHC) to develop the engineering tool. It is a model that is intended to serve as a simple tool for both landowners and technical support organizations, who possess the necessary construction knowledge and resources, to properly size and installs a tide gate pipe that fulfills both state and federal fish passage regulations. The tool should also provide both a cost-benefit and time savings for landowners who do not have or cannot secure, the funding necessary for more complex hydraulic modeling.
Progress and Next Steps:
Tide Gate Pipe-Sizing Model will be launched soon. Additional information will be announced by the Partnership as progress is made including written background and instructions and recorded webinars. Updates will be posted here.