York Haven Power Company (YHPC), as part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license compliance for their York Haven Hydroelectric Project, requires the design, construction, and operation of a new nature-like fishway passage (NLFP) at their Main Dam. YHPC sought an alternate design that meets the intent of the Settlement Agreement and the FERC License but reduces substantial construction risks and costs, as well as long-term operation and maintenance risks of the original design prepared for the previous owner.
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.

Regional Vice President
Chris Goodwin, P.E.
“I was attracted to Kleinschmidt by the culture and focus of the company on water resources and renewable energy. The culture has lived up to the expectations and I am excited to be part of a team all rowing in the same direction” Chris Goodwin has over 35 years of water resources-specific experience and specializes...