Fish Hatchery Modernization

The State of Vermont is seeking proposals from qualified aquaculture/engineering design firms to develop a Fish Culture Modernization Plan for the Vermont Fish Culture System. The plan should include a comprehensive evaluation of the system, including the feasibility of upgrading fish production operations and associated wastewater treatment facilities to achieve compliance with current and future permit effluent limits, water withdrawal requirements, and other regulatory requirements. The selected firm will provide recommendations to improve the operational and financial efficiency of the system. The scope of work includes tasks such as existing data collection and review, hatchery modernization evaluation, source water and wastewater treatment technology review, and development and evaluation of FCS upgrade alternatives. • The plan should provide a variety of options and alternatives, along with cost estimates, to help the State set priorities and budgets for specific maintenance projects and future Fish Culture Station modernizations. • The selected firm will identify infrastructure improvements and costs needed to improve efficiency and maintain the Vermont Fish Culture Section's overall coolwater and coldwater fish production capacity. • The firm will also evaluate options for maintaining, expanding, or consolidating operations to best meet the needs of the Fish Culture Section and the Department. • The plan should address fish health and biosecurity needs, including pathogens and aquatic invasive species. • The firm will provide a final report documenting the evaluation methods, results, and recommendations, including a comprehensive list of various alternatives and cost estimates for implementing the recommended improvements.