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20 July 2006 -- Dielectric Communications' Flash Technology division has developed a patented underwater lighting technology that provides a cost-effective method for utility and industrial operators to meet new federal regulations requiring the protection of fish at water intake systems. Aquatic Guidance Lighting, the company's bioengineering technology, uses rapidly pulsing underwater strobe lighting to create a type of wall of light in front of water intake entrances. Due to their strong aversion to strobe lighting, many species of fish can be directed away from the intake entrance.
By 2007 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Water Act 316(b) Phase II regulations will mandate a reduction in the entrainment and impingement of all fish species at more than 500 utility plants nationwide.
According to Dielectric, other methods to keep fish from passing into water intakes have relied on physical barriers such as screens and nets, which can be costly to install and maintain—often requiring the plant to be shut down during both installation and periodic cleaning and repairs. Other options for compliance to 316(b) regulations can be expensive and can include mitigation with state environmental agencies or changing the facility's cooling water system from a "once through" to a "closed cycle" system.
The EPA and Electric Power Research Institute have funded a one-year field-testing of AGL technology at the Tennessee Valley Authority's Widow's Creek Fossil Fuel Plant. Located on the Tennessee River, the Widow's Creek facility was selected because its species mix, seasonal turbidity, and intake designs are representative of the majority of facilities that are impacted by 316(b) regulations. Results of the Widow's Creek field test will be available in early 2007.
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