Fish Passage Design
Questa is highly experienced in evaluating and designing salmonid fish enhancement projects. We have completed barrier evaluations, concept enhancement designs, permit packages, and design drawings for more than 20 fisheries enhancement projects in northern, central, and southern California, including projects in Ojai, the Gaviota Coast, Calabasas, and the counties of Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Tehama, Santa Barbara, San Mateo, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo. We have worked closely with the California Department of Fish & Game (CDFG) and federal agency reviewers on many of these designs; we are keenly aware of the precise evaluation and data requirements of state and federal regulators. Several of our projects have received design awards for barrier removal and creek restoration.
Services Include
- Structure surveying
- Feasibility analysis
- Permitting
- Cost estimation
- Grant writing assistance
- Construction drawings
Our barrier removal projects have included complete removal of dams, installation of new bridges, and construction of roughened channels, step pool sequences, and chute and pool complexes. We understand how these projects proceed and are ultimately implemented, which gives us the insight into the alternatives development and cost estimating components of feasibility studies that is so crucial to long-term success. We understand and can balance the site constraints, cost considerations and restoration goals to develop studies that succinctly determine feasibility from a fish passage and implementation standpoint.
We have amassed a substantial library of typical construction details, construction specifications, and barrier removal concepts. This library, together with our expertise, allows for a quick assessment of design alternatives. Once a design concept is finalized, we can quickly develop the construction costs. Because we often perform construction inspections and permit-required post-construction monitoring for our creek restoration and enhancement projects, we can provide a reality check during the design process. This activity provides invaluable feedback on design feasibility and rational construction cost estimates.