Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal Aquatic Nuisance Species Dispersal Barriers
Project Manager: Shea, Chuck

Introduction:

use the CSSC to move between the two basins, they prey on native species and compete for food, living space and spawning areas. Currently the greatest concern is the potential movement of Asian carp into the Great lakes.

The Corps was authorized to conduct a demonstration project to identify an environmentally sound method for preventing the dispersal of aquatic nuisance species through the CSSC. The Corps formed an Advisory Panel, including other agencies and stakeholders, to evaluate potential methods.

Project Description:

Based on the effectiveness of Barrier I, a second more permanent barrier (Barrier II) was authorized. Barrier II is a similar electric field barrier, that covers a larger area within the CSSC, has a longer service life and includes design improvements identified during monitoring and testing of Barrier I. Barrier II consists of two sets of electrical arrays and control houses, known as Barriers IIA and IIB. Each control house and set of arrays can be operated independently, but the ultimate goal is to operate both at the same time.

Barrier I is located at River Mile 296.5 in the CSSC. Barrier II is located 800 to 1,500 feet downstream of Barrier I. Both barriers have been designed and constructed by Smith-Root, Inc. of Vancouver, WA under contract to the Corps of Engineers.

Project History:

In April 2002, the Corps of Engineers began operation of the first barrier (Barrier I) as a demonstration of a new technology for preventing the spread of aquatic nuisance species. Barrier I, which is located at river mile 296.5 in Romeoville, IL, is formed of steel cables (see diagram below right) that are secured to the bottom of the canal. A low-voltage, pulsing DC current is sent through the cables, creating an electric field in the water. The electric field is uncomfortable for fish and they do not swim across it. Since Barrier I was originally built as a demonstration, it was not intended to be operated for more than a few years. In 2004, the Corps initiated construction of a permanent barrier (Barrier II) to prevent the migration of fish, including Asian carp, between the watersheds. Barrier II, which is located 800 to 1,300 feet downstream of Barrier I, also uses a pulsed electric field, but includes several design improvements identified during monitoring and testing of Barrier I. Barrier II is able to generate a more powerful electric field over a larger area and consists of two sets of electrical arrays and control houses, known as Barriers IIA and IIB. Each control house and set of arrays can be operated independently, but the ultimate goal is to operate both at the same time. In 2007, Congress authorized the Corps to complete Barrier II, to upgrade Barrier I and make it permanent, and to operate the barrier system at full federal cost.

Current Status:

Barrier I and Barrier IIA are operating continuously. Barrier IIB is partially constructed. Due to its original demonstration status, Barrier I was designed and built with materials that were not intended for long-term use. It was taken off-line for approximately a month in September-October 2008 for significant repairs. These repairs were successfully completed and will allow Barrier I to remain in service for several more years until Barriers IIA and IIB are completed and fully functional. Once Barrier II is fully operational, Barrier I will be taken off line and replaced with a more permanent facility.

Construction of Barrier IIA was completed in 2006 and, after completion of extensive operational and safety testing, Barrier IIA was continuously in operation at a maximum in-water field strength of 1 volt/inch during the 2008 repairs to Barrier I. This is the same electrical field strength that Barrier I has operated at since it was activated. After a final period of maintenance and repairs, Barrier IIA was activated for long-term continuous operation in April 2009 at a maximum in-water electric field strength of 1 volt/inch.

Preliminary results of a new monitoring method called eDNA indicate that Asian carp may be closer than pervious thought. After extensive collaboration with partner agencies, the Corps increased the operating parameters of the barrier to a setting of two volts per inch, 15 Hertz frequency and 6.5 milliseconds duration, which is the combination of voltage, frequency an pulse rate that research to date has shown to be most effective in deterring Asian Carp.

Most fish are repelled by an electric field operating at a maximum in-water field strength of 1 volt/inch. However, an independent study has indicated that higher voltages may be necessary to deter smaller fish. Barrier IIA has the capability of operating at higher voltages, but such operation will increase public safety risks. The Corps is conducting ongoing research to verify the optimal operating parameters for deterring fish of all sizes. Based on new monitoring results indicating that the Asian carp have moved within approximately five miles of the barriers, the Corps is currently preparing for operations at the optimum operating parameters identified to date. Additional safety tests will be completed for these new operating parameters.

Preliminary results of a new monitoring method called eDNA indicate that Asian carp may be closer than previously thought. After extensive collaboration with partner agencies, the Corps increased the operating parameters of the barrier to a setting of two volts per inch, 15 Hertz frequency and 6.5 milliseconds pulse rate, which is the combination of voltage, frequency and pulse rate research has shown to be effective in deterring both adult and juvenile Asian carp.

Final design of Barrier IIB will not be completed until research on optimal operating parameters is fully completed and operational and safety testing at Barrier IIA is completed. Construction of Barrier IIB is expected to begin in fall 2009 and will be completed in 2010.

Costs:

Barrier I is 100% Federally funded. Through Fiscal Year 2007, approximately $4 million has been spent on the demonstration project for planning, design, construction, and ongoing operation and maintenance. The demonstration project has no funding ceiling. Operation can continue as long as Congress continues to appropriate funds to the project.

Barrier II is 75% Federally funded. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is the non-Federal sponsor and, with some assistance from other Great Lakes states, is providing the remaining 25% of the project cost. Through Fiscal Year 2007, approximately $8.5 million has been spent on planning, design, and construction.

Barrier II is authorized for a total project cost of $9.1 million. However, the estimated total project cost for completion of both Barrier IIA and Barrier IIB is now $16 million. Additional laws must be passed to increase or waive the $9.1 million funding ceiling and appropriate further funds to the Barrier II project or Barrier IIB can not be completed.

Authorizations: