Kleinschmidt assessed the design as conceptualized in the Settlement Agreement and developed alternative NFLP concepts. Kleinschmidt also identified the pros and cons of existing and alternative designs relative to effectiveness, risks, costs, schedule, and agency acceptance.

Kleinschmidt investigated an alternate in-river design as well as an inland bypass concept as part of our task to develop a cost-effective design that minimizes aquatic resource impacts while meeting the FERC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requirements to provide fish passage over 6 feet of head difference.

As part of the design efforts, Kleinschmidt created a far-field and near-field 2-D HEC-RAS model of the proposed NLFP, starting with existing conditions along approximately 8 miles of the Susquehanna River, which included two dams.

Kleinschmidt’s experience gave YHPC a fresh approach to finding an alternative design that satisfied the resource agencies’ requirement for an NLFP at this site. The alternative design was developed and communicated in a collaborative approach that convinced the resource agencies that the alternate option was an acceptable option that achieved desired long-term outcomes while significantly reducing construction risks, costs & temporary environmental impacts.