Recreational User Groups: Who Uses the

Big Eddy Reach of the Petawawa River?

• Whitewater kayakers • Tubers

• Rafters • Swimmers/Waders
• Canoeists • Stand-up paddlers
• Anglers • River surfers

www.ripboard.com/photos/lessons/NREL/index.shtml www.trevorclarkphoto.com/portfolio/photos/action/GlenwoodWave.jpg

© NHC © NHC

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 Naturalized Passage Structures: Success
Stories

Reno, Nevada

blogs.denverpost.com/sports/files/2010/06/P10407471.jpg
© NHC

Vail, Colorado

Golden, Colorado

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 Ogee Weir vs. Naturalized Passage Structure
• Although the ogee-crest weir is a popular design for use at low-
head dams due to its ability to dissipate energy over a short
distance, Xeneca will NOT use this type for the proposed Big
Eddy project at Railroad Rapids

Calgary Weir (Pre-modification)

flow

powerful linear backwash

(no weak spots)

weir crest
The Drowning Machine Effect
www.citynoise.org/article/5629

www.boat-ed.com/images/drawings/lowhead_dam.jpg

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 Ogee Weir vs. Naturalized Passage
Structure
A naturalized passage structure is designed to
provide a less retentive, non-linear wave. The
hydraulic jump only occurs at the water surface.

curved crest profile

weak non-linear backwash

(many weak spots)

© NHC

Example of a Naturalized Passage Structure

(Calgary Bow River Weir Project – Calgary, AB)

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Naturalized Passage Structure: Design Considerations
• Intended to produce a wave feature or surficial wave as opposed to full-depth
hydraulic jump or “keeper”
• Curved crest elevation provides: (i) a non-linear, small hydraulic jump which
minimizes retentiveness over a range of flows; (ii) a more gradual increase in
wetted area downstream as discharge over the weir increase; and (iii) a
playwave feature that is more stable & performs well over a range of flows
• Smooth low-flow channel in the central portion of the passage structure for
downstream passage of swimmers & tubers during summer low flows
• High-flow portions constructed of grouted native boulders for a more natural
aesthetic & providing possible upstream fish migration.

crest elevation increases

laterally from centre

low-flow channel
(smoothed concrete)
downstream pool
recessed grout in
transition zones for
possible fish passage

grouted boulders in
high-flow channels

© NHC

Example of a Naturalized Passage Structure

(Calgary Bow River Weir Project; during construction)

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 Naturalized Passage Structure:
How Might it Look at Big Eddy?

low flow channel

(smoothed concrete)

recessed grout in transition

zones for possible fish
passage

grouted boulders in
high-flow channels

NOTE:
The design is only conceptual at this point; hydraulic analysis & detailed
design will occur following input & feedback from stakeholders, public
interest groups, regulatory agencies & other interested parties.

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 Hydro Intake: Design Considerations
• Extensive upstream signage & markers
• Portage route around project site
• Low approach velocities to inlet structure, in combination with
a physical barrier (e.g. guard rack), will prevent impingement
• Sloped banks for egress
• Side-channel inlet structure has less impedance on navigation

Tailrace: Design Considerations

• Flow from tailrace is very low energy as it was used to power
the turbines.
• Transition into river designed to minimize adverse flow
patterns from operational transitions
• Put-in access from portage route

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 Design Process Objectives: Pre-Construction
• Assess & optimize the performance of the passage structure for
various paddlecraft
• Assess & optimize the performance of the passage structure to provide
sufficient regions of depth and velocity that satisfy criteria developed
for fish passage
• Verify that the passage structure preserves the functional
requirements of the hydroelectric generating facility
• Verify that the flood conveyance capabilities of the passage structure
• Ensure that riparian & other fish and wildlife habitat along the Railroad
Rapids section are maintained
• Develop a safety operating plan for the hydro facility

© NHC

Physical Modelling at Northwest Hydraulic Consultants’ Laboratory

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 Design Process Objectives: Post-Construction

• Hydraulic performance evaluations by design engineers &

whitewater professionals
• Velocity monitoring for fish passage if required
• Design refinements considered if required
Post-Construction Safety Evaluation (Calgary Fire Department on-hand)

© NHC

Velocity Monitoring for Fish Passage

© NHC

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