Youghiogheny River Temperature Enhancement Protocol for Operating Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station: Model Development and Result for 1995-2005

摘要

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Power Plant Research Program evaluated the use of hydroelectric releases to provide flows to moderate elevated Youghiogheny River temperatures to enhance trout habitat. A model and protocol for predicting maximum daily river temperature during summer was developed for the Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station (DCHS) using river flow, water temperature, maximum daily air temperature, and cloud cover in the region of the DCHS. The prediction model consists of a series of equations using by DCHS operators during the morning and early afternoon to predict temperature in the river. Operators use these predictions to determine whether a release is needed to lower the water temperature for trout habitat. Implementation of the temperature enhancement protocol between 1995 and 2005 was successful at maintaining lower temperatures than would otherwise have occurred in the river without the releases. Further improvements in maintaining lower river temperatures are possible by increasing effective operator training in implementing the protocol for necessary water releases. Minor changes in the protocol would also improve the temperature enhancement plan.