Design of Fish Conserving Intake System

Biological tests were conducted to determine behavioral characteristics of saltwater fish indigenous to Southern California. The results of the tests were incorporated in the design of a new intake and screenwell for coastal generating stations. Model tests show that the new offshore intake design will greatly reduce the fish entrainment problem. For those fish that are entrained, when they reach the screenwell they will be guided to a holding chamber, removed by an elevator bucket, and returned to the ocean. Earlier fish conservation methods are presented along with the biological tests and the development of the new designs. Confirming model test results are presented. These new designs will first be used at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, Units 2 and 3, scheduled for operation in the early 1980s.