Step pool construction: pictured are the rock weirs that help convey water and maintain the structural integrity of the pool when water is flowing.
By Ellie Mason, Habitat Restoration Project Manager
More pieces of the new fishway are taking shape in the Narraguagus River!
Last week, Sargent began work on the structure at the upstream end of the fishway that will help manage water levels and ice while maintaining the existing headpond. Built with steel sheet pile and large boulders, this structure will span the width of the river and play an important role in how water moves through the completed fishway.
Project staff oversee construction of one of the step pools.
Crews are also continuing to build the series of step pools that will help Atlantic salmon and other sea-run fish move through this section of the river. We expect most of the step pools and upstream structure to be completed by the end of this week.
Work is also moving ahead on the new ice piers. Forms are being prepared for the concrete foundations, followed by construction of the rock-filled timber structures that will help protect the site from moving river ice.
Construction of the controlling weir – sheet pile that is reinforced with large boulders.