Hydropower Fish Passage and Aquatic Monitoring Checklist
This hydropower fish passage and aquatic monitoring checklist ensures compliance with FERC project license fish passage conditions, Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation requirements, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) biological opinion measures, USFWS fish protection requirements, and Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification conditions. Designed for hydropower operators to verify fish ladder, bypasses, and downstream passage facilities are operational and effective
- Industry: Renewable Energy
- Frequency: Monthly
- Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
- Role: Environmental Compliance Manager / Fisheries Biologist
- Total Items: 30
- Compliance: FERC Project License Fish Passage Conditions, Endangered Species Act Section 7 Biological Opinion, NMFS Biological Opinion Reasonable and Prudent Measures, Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification, USFWS Anadromous Fish Passage Requirements
Fish Ladder and Upstream Passage
Fish ladder operation and effectiveness.
- Fish ladder operating at required flow per FERC license?
- Ladder water level/tailwater at proper elevation for fish entry?
- Fish ladder entrance free of debris blocking fish passage?
- Ladder pools and orifices clear and functional?
- Fish Ladder Condition Photo
Downstream Passage Facilities
Juvenile fish bypass and downstream migration.
- Juvenile fish bypass active during downstream migration period?
- Intake fish screens operational and clean?
- Spill for downstream passage as required by license?
- Turbine operational mode per license for minimum fish mortality?
- Downstream Passage Facility Photo
Minimum Flow and Bypass
FERC minimum flow release compliance.
- Minimum flow (MFOR) being released per FERC license?
- Bypass reach receiving required flows?
- Flow gauges operating and data being transmitted?
- Reservoir fluctuation within FERC license limits?
- Water temperature releases within thermal standard limits?
Water Quality
Downstream water quality compliance.
- Dissolved oxygen in releases meeting water quality standards?
- Turbidity within permit requirements?
- Water temperature in downstream reach meeting state standards?
- No fish kills observed in vicinity of project?
- Monthly water quality sampling completed?
Biological Monitoring
Fish population and effectiveness monitoring.
- Adult fish counts at ladder (seasonal monitoring) documented?
- Smolt monitoring (trap and haul or screw trap) per license?
- No fish stranding events from rapid flow fluctuations?
- Seasonal habitat assessment completed per license schedule?
- No new invasive species detected in project area?
Reporting and Compliance
FERC and agency reporting.
- FERC Annual Report filed with fish passage data?
- NMFS/USFWS notified of any passage facility failures?
- ESA take of listed fish reported per ITS requirements?
- All required biological monitoring data submitted to agencies?
- Monitoring Notes
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Why Use This Hydropower Fish Passage and Aquatic Monitoring Checklist?
This hydropower fish passage and aquatic monitoring checklist helps renewable energy teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for environmental compliance manager / fisheries biologist professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly.
Ensures compliance with FERC Project License Fish Passage Conditions, Endangered Species Act Section 7 Biological Opinion, NMFS Biological Opinion Reasonable and Prudent Measures, Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification, USFWS Anadromous Fish Passage Requirements. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hydropower Fish Passage and Aquatic Monitoring Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Fish Ladder and Upstream Passage, Downstream Passage Facilities, Minimum Flow and Bypass, Water Quality, Biological Monitoring, Reporting and Compliance. It is designed for renewable energy operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed monthly. Each completion takes approximately 2-3 hours.
Who should use this Hydropower Fish Passage and Aquatic Monitoring Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Environmental Compliance Manager / Fisheries Biologist professionals in the renewable energy industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.