Avoidance of Nonanadromous Fish Passage Impedance Caused by Highway Culverts

Abstract

Highway culverts may hinder the normal migrations of various trout species in wild trout streams through increased flow velocity, shallow water depths, increased turbulence, and perching. This can impede migrational movements, affecting the genetic diversity and long-term survival of some species. Often, the proper installation of culverts can reduce the adverse effects on fish while maintaining hydraulic efficiency. This study characterized the problems with existing culverts to develop guidelines for the future use of culverts in areas with high gradient streams. Installation criteria will ideally limit the use of bridges where culverts are appropriate, and eliminate the use of culverts where they would create fish passage problems. This will reduce installation, maintenance, and retrofitting costs. The study concluded that culverts can be considered the primary option for crossing trout streams if the culvert can be placed on the same slope as that of the streambed, the slope of the stream is less than 3 percent, the flow velocity does not exceed 1.2 m/sec under normal flow conditions, and the barrel of the culvert can be properly countersunk at the outlet to prevent perching. Bridges should be used at these crossings if any of these criteria cannot be met. The study also concluded that baffles should not be used to control streamflow velocities in newly installed culverts, and concrete aprons should not be used at culvert outlets.