Project Titles:

• Replace Effluent Treatment (FFS #R3PA)
• Reconstruct Building over Raceways 1-8 (FFS #R3PB)
• Install Geothermal Heating System (FFS #R3PC)
• Building over series 9/10 (FFS #R3PF)

State: Michigan

Project Description: Jordan River National Fish Hatchery (NFH) in Elmira, Mich. celebrated completion of $3.9 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funded projects in August 2011. Funding resulted in the replacement of the hatchery’s effluent treatment basin, installation of an energy efficient geothermal heating system, and construction of a building over 10 existing hatchery raceways.

Funding for the first of the four projects support planning, design and replacement of the effluent settling basin at Jordan River NFH. This will support the Service’s efforts to meet interagency and international Great Lakes native lake trout restoration goals established in partnership with States and Tribes, and to meet the fishery management stipulations of the U. S. vs. Michigan Consent Decree.

Jordan River NFH currently produces 50 percent of the lake trout stocked into Great Lakes waters. Replacement of the effluent basin allows the hatchery to avoid reductions in or interruptions to its ability to produce the 1.8 – 2 million lake trout stocked by the Service in specified locations in the Upper Great Lakes. The effluent project allows the hatchery to minimize discharges of phosphorous into the Jordan River, which has been designated as a National Wildlife and Scenic River.

Recovery funding also brought the construction of a pre-engineered building to cover thirty-two of the hatchery’s raceways. The unheated, metal building is approximately 140 feet wide by 400 feet long, and was placed over raceway series 1 – 8, for a total square footage of approximately 56,000. Constructing this building over the existing raceways increases the quality and reduce the cost of fish produced by increasing the station’s efficiency in propagating lake trout, reducing fish loss and mortality, and improving fish health. This project also assists the Service in meeting its obligations under the 2000 U.S. vs. Michigan Consent Decree and lake trout restoration goals to produce self-sustaining populations in Lakes Huron and Michigan.

The hatchery also uses Recovery Act funding to replace its propane fired boiler system with an energy efficient geothermal heating system. This installation will offset the energy demands of the federal fish hatchery and save annual operational costs.

For additional information about Jordan River National Fish Hatchery, visit the Jordan River NFH website.

News Releases:

• Secretary Salazar Announces $2.58 Million for Jordan River National Fish Hatchery to Replace Effluent Treatment Basin, Reconstruct Raceways, and Improve Energy Efficiency
• Jordan River National Fish Hatchery to celebrate completion of fish rearing facility at open house and dedication ceremony house on August 18, 2011

Photos:

Before Photo: Original water treatment facility at Jordan River National Fish Hatchery in Elmira, MI

Lake trout yearlings from Jordan River NFH reach their final destination in Lake Huron

Originally posted 08/07/2009
Updated 04/23/2010
Updated 10/12/2010
Updated 08/05/2011
Page Completed 11/02/2011