White Lake

Project description

Watershed managers documented significant water quality improvements in the years following the installation of a Smith-Root electric fish barrier and the eradication of invasive carp in Pickerel and Mud Lakes in the Shell Rock River Watershed in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

To further improve water quality in the headwaters and develop a comprehensive approach to watershed management, additional Smith-Root electric fish barriers were constructed on adjacent Shell Rock River tributaries, including one on the outflow of White Lake. An electric fish barrier array was constructed in an existing 84-inch circular culvert pipe on the outflow of White Lake. Following installation and activation of the barrier, carp were eradicated from White Lake and its tributaries. The electric field of the barrier stops the invasive carp from re-infesting restored upstream habitats.

To construct the barriers, the culvert was dewatered and six circular electrodes were mounted. Three 4.5kW Smith-Root pulsators were installed to create an electric field that prevents fish passage. As always, safety is a preeminent component, therefore, gates were constructed at each end of the culvert to prevent human entry into the energized area.