Youghiogheny River Temperature Enhancement Protocol for Operating Deep CreekHydroelectric Station: Model Development and Results for 1995-2000

摘要

The Deep Creek Hydroelectric Station generates electricity by periodicallyreleasing water impounded at Deep Creek Lake into the Youghiogheny River. Historically, the timing and duration of these releases were primarily driven by the economics of power generation and water availability in Deep Creek Lake. As part of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission relicensing and State of Maryland permitting processes, the station owner, then the Pennsylvania Electric Company, and the Maryland Power Plant Research Program evaluated the uses of project releases to provide minimum flows for fish habitat, flows scheduled for whitewater boating recreation, and flows to moderate elevated river temperatures to enhance fish habitat. The evaluations designated temperature as the primary factor determining fish habitat quality; thus, improving the conditions for the fish by lowering the water temperature to a suitable range is incorporated in the term temperature enhancement.