Habitat Restoration & Protection Database
Project Details
Aspetuck Reservoir Dam Eel Bypass
Project Name
Aspetuck Reservoir Dam Eel Bypass
City/Town/Village
Easton
Site Name
Aspetuck Reservoir Dam
Waterbody
Aspetuck Reservoir
Aspetuck River
Hemlocks Reservoir
Habitat View
| Habitat | Acres | Miles | Feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverine Migratory Corridors | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| TOTAL | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Degradation Description
A bypass channel between the Aspetuck and Hemlocks Reservoirs attracts eel seeking downstream passage. The Hemlock Reservoir is a dead-end. Eel get drawn into the filtration plant with the raw water and are captured in sealed traps suspended below the raw water line. The traps contain baskets to hold the eel, but they are difficult to access and are emptied just twice a year. The eel die in the traps.
Cause of Degradation
Dam blocks fish passage
Water Diversion
Restoration Technique
Eel Passage Device
Fish Passage Project
Project Partners
Partners Organization
Aquarion Water Company
Partners Organization
The Nature Conservancy - Connecticut Chapter
Partners Organization
Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection - Inland Fisheries Division
Completed