03-29-2004, 08:48 PM
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]ST. PAUL, MN—A new study says an underwater barrier of bubbles and sound waves might perform better than an electric barrier for stopping bighead carp from migrating up the Mississippi River. [/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]The fence, called a bubble curtain, would divert carp to a holding area where they could be mechanically removed from the river. [/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]The report rejected an electrical barrier similar to the one near Chicago, citing high construction costs, monthly operating costs and safety concerns. A report by a different company last October suggested an electric barrier across the Mississippi would cost $15 to $25 million. [/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]The $65,000 study was commissioned by Minnesota, Wisconsin and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service after a fisherman caught a bighead in Lake Pepin last fall. [/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]The underwater sound and bubble barrier would be strung across the river and would use speakers and an air hose. Officials are considering five locations: from Lock and Dam No. 8 south of La Crescent, Minnesota, to four sites at locks and dams in Iowa. [/size][/#000000][/font]
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[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]The fence, called a bubble curtain, would divert carp to a holding area where they could be mechanically removed from the river. [/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]The report rejected an electrical barrier similar to the one near Chicago, citing high construction costs, monthly operating costs and safety concerns. A report by a different company last October suggested an electric barrier across the Mississippi would cost $15 to $25 million. [/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]The $65,000 study was commissioned by Minnesota, Wisconsin and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service after a fisherman caught a bighead in Lake Pepin last fall. [/size][/#000000][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][#000000][size 2]The underwater sound and bubble barrier would be strung across the river and would use speakers and an air hose. Officials are considering five locations: from Lock and Dam No. 8 south of La Crescent, Minnesota, to four sites at locks and dams in Iowa. [/size][/#000000][/font]
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