Last year I suggested Four Tips for User Friendly and Maintainable Fish Facilities, based on my experience as a construction manager. This is a topic worth revisiting, and it applies to many types of projects beyond fish facilities as well. I hope you find these ideas useful!

You’re not alone.  Fish facilities are often complex projects with a multitude of electrical, mechanical and other moving parts. Modifications during or after construction can be considerably more expensive especially on these facilities which are often in remote locations, so you want to get it right the first time.

You spend significant time and money planning, permitting, designing and constructing fish facilities.  Often times O&M staff will make modifications using simple materials such as plywood and pulleys. While these modifications are generally low cost and functional, the materials may not stand up over time.  The following tips will help you get it right the first time and avoid costly repairs and frustrated O&M staff.