Ontario Power Generation has nearly completed an extensive system of permanent netting to deter fish from getting into its water intakes at the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station. “We’re starting our third full year of operation and our research shows we’ve significantly reduced the volume of fish entering our water intake channel,” said Glenn Jager, Senior Vice President, Pickering A. The net is about 610 metres long with a half-inch mesh. It’s anchored to the lake bottom and has 19 lighted buoys to warn boaters. It sits about 80 metres from the southern tip of the intake channel.
Results show that the net has reduced the number of fish entering the channel by more than 80 per cent annually, which is the target set by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. The fish net is part of a comprehensive program that has included restoring fish habitat and wetlands at Duffins Creek Marsh, Frenchman’s Bay and Hydro marsh. Boaters in the area are being reminded to stay clear of the net.
For photos of the divers at work at the mouth of Pickering Nuclear’s water intake channel and more information on the project please see http://www.durhamregion.com/photozone/1325376.