Installation of Denil fish ladder through Kickemuit Reservoir Dam
The Bristol County Water Authority selected Weston & Sampson to provide final engineering design services, environmental permitting services, and bidding construction oversight services for the installation of a Denil fish ladder through the Kickemuit Reservoir Dam. The dam forms the Kickemuit Reservoir, a public drinking water supply for the Bristol County Water Authority.
Weston & Sampson managed the design and permit review with the Coastal Resources Management Council, RIDEM, and Army Corps of Engineers. Project oversight for the fish ladder was provided by the NRCS Rhode Island, which was one of several agencies that have provided joint funding for this project, which has been in the works for over 20 years.
Site investigation included site survey to confirm existing survey information, geotechnical probes and borings through the dam embankment, visual inspection of the dam structure, wetland assessment, and structural and site/civil design of the new structure. Mitigation of impacts allowed approval of the project by multiple permitting agencies
The new fish ladder was designed with reinforced concrete walls and floors and will extend through the embankment and out into the open channel at the base of the spillway. The project also involves some minor impacts to Spartina alterniflora salt marsh vegetation, which will be mitigated by transplanting and planting vegetation at an area ratio of 2:1.
Weston & Sampson assisted with bidding and award and provided part-time construction inspection.