stream side of the dam. Their operation is con-
make it difficult for a tow to maintain an align-
trolled manually. Automation would tie the op-
ment in the lock approach areas, leading to po-
eration of the screens to the operation of the re-
tentially hazardous situations. With automated
lated generators, so that when a generator goes
programmed gate operation, there could be a
on or off line, the fish screen would begin or end
built-in alternative gate operation scheme that
its operation.
would be invoked only when lockages occur.
This alternative scheme would reduce or stop
Debris and ice control
flows past appropriate dam gates, and perhaps
This is closely related to the same topic under
compensate by initiating or increasing flows
Lock operations, and the functions are largely
through other gates, in order to reduce the ad-
similar.
verse currents or outdrafts. Such an alternative
Automated periodic debris passage or scavenging.
gate scheme would be used only for the duration
Debris passage or scavenging systems at dams
of a tow's approach, lockage, and departure, and
are operated manually on an as-needed basis.
it would require operations personnel to initiate
They could be operated automatically on sched-
and terminate the process.
ules developed through past experience. Opera-
Interlocking selected gates with vessel operations. It
tional schedules could be driven by time, river
has been proposed from time to time that, at cer-
stages, precipitation events, etc., according to
tain critical locations on the inland waterways,
local conditions.
vessel monitoring systems should be developed
Programmed operation of pneumatic debris or ice
and operated to promote safe and efficient water-
flushers and screens. Such systems serving dams
borne traffic management. If these proposals
are not usually made up of as many compo-
were to be implemented, vessel movements
nents as those at locks. The use of a diagonal air
could be used as the initiating and terminating
screen across the upper approach to a lock di-
actions for use of the alternative gate operational
verts ice or debris toward the adjacent dam
schemes discussed in the foregoing paragraph.
gates. Programmed operation could consist of
(See the discussion of automated vessel monitor-
operating diverting air screens in conjunction
ing on page 11, under Navigation operations.)
with the nearby gate operation.
Interlocks between components of pneumatic
Operation of fish facilities
debris control or ice control systems. The discus-
Certain Corps dams have facilities for the pas-
sion on page 8 applies equally here.
sage of anadromous fish. Generally the operation
Temperature-triggered operating programs for ice
of these facilities is operator-initiated and con-
control systems. See the discussion on page 8.
trolled. There are patterns of operations that are
adaptable to programmed operation.
Automating the operation of fishway weirs. The
Navigation operations
The various navigation operations that may
setting of the height of fishway weirs is generally
be considered for automated operation are dis-
done as a function of stage, but it is done manual-
cussed below and given in Table 4.
ly and intermittently. Providing automated weir
machinery driven by stage variations would be a
Coordination with locks
fairly straightforward matter.
Vessel movements and status conditions gov-
Programming and controlling the operation of
ern lock operations and vice versa. Some of the
traveling fish screens. These screens capture fish in
communications involved in this coordination
the draft tubes of generators at hydroelectric
could be accomplished automatically.
facilities, and deliver the fish safely to the down-
Table 4. Navigation operations identified as candidates for automation measures.
Coordination with locks
Vessel monitoring
Information
Sending automated messages,
Vessel position monitoring with
Automated trip, cargo, and lockage
instructions, or signals to vessels
automatic messages and alarms as
information for the Lock Performance
required
Monitoring System (LPMS)
Automated vessel speed monitoring,
with automatic warning messages to
vessels and/or alarms at projects
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