Project Titles:

• Replace Fish Water Alarm System (FFS #R5PF)
• Replace Kal-Wall Panels (FFS #R5PG)
• Replace UV Disinfection System (FFS #R5PH)
• Replace Modine Heaters (FFS #R5QB)

State: Maine

Project Description: $356,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds were used for some much needed repairs at the Green Lake National Fish Hatchery in Ellsworth, Maine. The facility is part of the Maine Fisheries Program Complex, and has been in operation since 1974, dedicated to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s efforts to restore endangered Atlantic salmon in Maine. Every year 650,000 salmon smolts and 350,000 salmon parr are released into the wild from this facility.

Work at this site included updating the alarm system, replacing an inefficient ultraviolet water treatment unit and replacing the old window walls (Kal-walls). The Kal-walls were as old as the hatchery itself and had fallen into disrepair, according to Paul Santavy, manager of the fisheries complex.

The new walls allow natural light to filter into the hatchery so the fish are more adapted to their natural habitat and ready for the long journey to salt water once they are released. The old Kal-walls were not as well insulated as their new counterparts. The new panels let in more light and are more energy efficient than the ones they replaced, according to project leader Anitra Firmenich. Schroeder Construction Management, Inc., a small business from Nashua, New Hampshire, was awarded a $198,724 contract to replace the Kal-walls. The work was completed in October 2010.

Maine Electric Co., Inc., from Bangor, received a $106,171 contract to replace the hatchery’s alarm system. The new system serves as a building facility alarm and will also monitor water levels. Work was finished in March 2011.

King Electric, Inc., was awarded $21,810 to replace the facility’s UV disinfection system. The small company, featured on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” is based out of Ellsworth. Peter Beaudry, from Poland, Maine, was also awarded $13,154 to work on the project. The updated ultraviolet water disinfection system will ensure that none of the water entering the facility from Green Lake carries any fish pathogens. The new UV system was installed in July 2010.

Finally, Cadillac Associates LLC, from Bar Harbor, received a $16,015 contract to replace eight old Modine hot water heaters. These new heaters function better and are more energy efficient than the ones formerly used at the hatchery. This work was also complete in July 2010.

“The fish produced at Green Lake National Fish Hatchery are a critical component of the Atlantic salmon recovery program,” said Santavy. “This work will protect the health, wellbeing, and security of our salmon, as well as save the Service money and allow us to run a greener operation.”

Photos:

This page was created by Keith Shannon, student intern for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Northeast Region, whose position is funded by the Recovery Act.

Originally posted 02/16/2010
Updated 04/19/2010
Updated 06/28/2010
Updated 12/03/2010
Updated 03/10/2011
Page Completed 05/19/2011