Solving complex environmental problems is rarely simple, but HDR works with clients to ensure that appropriate planning and analysis are used to minimize impacts on fish and wildlife. Scientific assessment of fisheries and analysis of impacts can provide practical and cost effective ways to mitigate adverse effects on natural resources and protect threatened or endangered species.
HDR has more than 30 years experience in developing unique, practical and accepted analyses of fish populations, as part of comprehensive permitting efforts for new and existing power plants, deep channel dredging, marinas and coastal development projects. HDR has extensive experience designing and implementing mitigation approaches, including power plant intake technologies, habitat restoration and fish stocking.
Our fisheries scientists and engineers provide comprehensive population assessments and simulation modeling, fish habitat assessments, Endangered Species Act status reviews, and fish population monitoring studies using an array of assessment tools, including field sampling and modeling. HDR is a leader in the development and application of assessment tools to determine project impacts on estuaries, lakes, rivers and fishery resources, including:
Surface water models, including hydrologic and complex 3D real-time hydrodynamic water quality
Biological models, including stock recruitment, life cycle, and fish population
HDR has developed specialized models to assist in Clean Water Act compliance. Our modeling capabilities integrate information on fishing, predation, and power plant losses with thermal and dissolved oxygen tolerances and preferences and output from hydrothermal models. Our depth and range of assessment experience ensures that we have the resources and skills readily available to meet client needs for virtually any type of fisheries assessment.
Examples of fisheries assessments and related services provided by HDR include:
Baseline studies and fish population monitoring
Biological and environmental assessments/EIS
Cooling water intake and discharge impacts [316(a) and (b)]
Entrainment and impingement sampling
Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) analysis
Fish population and surface water modeling
Hydropower licensing
Impact analysis from dredging and construction