Art Anderson leads the design of Floating Surface Collectors (FSC) and similar downstream fish passage facilities. As a firm with experienced professionals in both landside and marine engineering disciplines, Art Anderson is ideally positioned to comprehensively address the unique challenges of designing fish passage structures at hydroelectric projects. We have the naval architects, marine engineers, civil engineers and electrical engineers in one office working together to design FSCs.
Floating surface collectors (FSCs) are specialized floating structures used primarily in hydroelectric and environmental engineering projects to facilitate fish passage, especially for juvenile salmonids migrating downstream.
Floating Surface Collectors are designed to:
- Attract and collect juvenile fish near the surface of reservoirs or lakes.
- Guide fish safely past dams or other barriers using flow currents and netting systems.
- Support environmental conservation by improving fish survival rates during migration.
Art Anderson Leads the Design of Floating Surface Collectors (FSC)
Art Anderson’s Naval Architects and Engineers have a high degree of expertise in the design and renovation of non-powered floating structures and facilities and fixed over-water structures and systems. To date, we have either led or contributed to the design of ten floating fish collection structures across the Pacific Northwest.
Key Design Features:
- Floating barge-like platforms anchored near dams or in reservoirs.
- Pumps and guide nets create flow currents that attract fish.
- Hydraulic and mechanical systems manage water intake and fish handling.
- Ballasting systems ensure stability and allow controlled flipping during installation (as seen in the Cushman FSC project).
Art Anderson Floating Surface Collectors (FSC) Experience
Cougar Dam Floating Fish Collector
This 165’ barge connects hydraulically to an existing temperature control tower, handling up to 1,016 CFS. Art Anderson supported HDR with design of the barge, ballast, HVAC, mooring, and hydraulic connection. The system lifts fish for downstream release and operates across 162’ of reservoir fluctuation. Owned by USACE Portland District. Read more details about the project here: https://artanderson.com/cougar-fss/
Detroit Reservoir Floating Screen Structure
Art Anderson led the design of a 256’ barge connected to a new selective withdrawal structure, handling flows from 1,000 to 5,600 CFS. The system sorts and lifts fish for downstream release and operates across 124’ of reservoir fluctuation. Our scope included barge, mooring, and hydraulic connection. Owned by USACE Portland District. Read more details about the project here: https://artanderson.com/detroit-fss/
Cougar Dam Portable Floating Fish Collector
A compact 62’ collector using two low-head pumps to gather fish into a single pod for transport. Art Anderson supported HDR with design of the steel framing and anchoring system. The mobile unit is moored with winches and anchors. Owned by USACE Portland District.
Swift Floating Surface Collector
A 170’ FSC using 14 pumps to collect and sort fish for transport. Art Anderson supported Black & Veatch with design of the barge, access trestle, mooring dolphin, and fittings. The system operates across 100’ of reservoir fluctuation. Owned by PacifiCorp. Read more details about the project here: https://artanderson.com/swift-fsc-downstream-fish-passage/
Yale Floating Surface Collector
Art Anderson is providing engineering design for a 208’ barge supporting fish collection and transport around the dam. The FSC uses 18 low-head pumps and accommodates 32’ of reservoir fluctuation. As a subconsultant to QRS, our scope includes barge structure, ballast, HVAC, mooring, electrical, and access systems. Owned and operated by PacifiCorp.
North Fork Floating Surface Collector
This 147’ FSC uses 18 pumps to deliver 1,000 CFS attraction flow and boasts one of the highest collection efficiencies. Art Anderson supported Black & Veatch with design of the barge, access float, and mooring system. Operates across 27’ of reservoir fluctuation. Owned by Portland General Electric. Read more details about the project here: https://artanderson.com/north-fork-fsc-final-design/