Fish Passage (Westfield, NY)
Location 
The project site is located in the town of Westfield, approximately five miles upstream from Lake Erie. Westfield is located approximately 50 miles west of Buffalo, New York.
Project Description
Two small dams currently block a variety of native and naturalized Lake Erie fish species, including steelhead trout, from reaching high-quality spawning areas in upper Chautauqua Creek. The project will evaluate a variety of fish passage and dam removal measures at the dams in order to allow spawning fish access to upstream areas and restore fishery populations. Any project constructed will be required to include measures that would block sea lampreys.
Importance
A federal project at the Water Works dams on Chautauqua Creek will significantly increase the amount and quality of habitat available for steelhead spawning by providing access to approximately 10 miles of high-quality spawning habitat located upstream of the Water Works dams. The implementation of this project would also contribute to goals outlined in a Great Lakes basin-wide management plan developed by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
Consequences
Due to limited spawning habitat for steelhead in tributaries to the Great Lakes, naturally spawned, wild fish are a relatively rare occurrence throughout the Great Lakes basin.
Nonfederal Project Sponsor
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
Congressional Interest
- Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY)
- Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY)
- Representative Brian Higgins (D-NY-27)
Current Status
The Preliminary Restoration Plan (PRP) has been approved and the project is in the feasibility study phase. The recommended plan has some minor changes from the PRP. The current plan is to create a notch in the lower dam for fish passage with a lamprey barrier placed along the width of the dam. A rock ramp will be constructed at the upper dam. A construction contract is expected to be awarded in September 2008 with construction taking place in spring 2009. The project will be initiated upon sponsor approval and availability of funds.
Issues
There are no outstanding issues at this time.
Funding (feasability only)
| Total | Federal | Nonfederal | |
| Current working estimate | $325,000 | $325,000 | * |
| Funding to date | $325,000 | $325,000 | * |
| Funds required to complete project | * | * | * |
*No data provided.
Chautauqua Creek Project Manager Patti McKenna Click here to download a copy |