Efficacy Studies

The Corps was directed by Congress through the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 to study a range of factors that could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the electric dispersal barriers. The Corps has assessed various technical, environmental and biological factors.

• Interim Report I: Identifies areas of potential bypass and recommended construction of fence and concrete barriers along the Des Plaines River and a stone blockage in the Illinois and Michigan Canal. These measures reduce the risk of Asian carp bypassing the barriers during flooding. For more information about the bypass barrier, click here for an overview and here for facts. You can also watch a short video overview.
• Interim Report II: Ongoing research to determine optimum operating parameters for the dispersal barriers. Operational Protocols for Electric Barriers on the Chicago Sanitary & Ship Canal | Fact Sheet
• Interim Report IIA
• Interim Report III: Presents an evaluation of the potential for risk reduction that might be achieved through changes in the operation of structures in the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS), such as locks, sluice gates, and pumping stations. The report recommended the construction and installation of bar screens for two sluice gates at both the O’Brien and Chicago Locks.
• Interim Report IIIA: Considers how technologies such as bubbles, lights and sounds can inhibit Asian carp movement and recommended construction of an acoustic bubble curtain with strobe lights as a demonstration project.
• A comprehensive efficacy study is due out fall 2012.