Manning Fish Hatchery
Project Profile
Manning Fish Hatchery
| OWNER | Manning Fish Hatchery |
| SIZE | 180 acres / 28 fish production ponds |
| LOCATION | Brandywine, Maryland |
| DESIGN/MATERIALS | Installation of geomembrane liners in three existing hatchery production ponds (Ponds 7, 8 and 11) and two hatchery display ponds (Ponds 1 and 2). 45 mil RPP Geomembrane – black, potable grade 1Boot, Aluminum Batten for valve box, drainage structure, and walkway structure per pond (except display ponds – no walkway structure) |
Constraints
State Regulations
Stringent Safety Concerns
Time Constraints
Background
Joseph Manning Hatchery is a fish hatchery in Brandywine, MD. The hatchery opened in 1980 and is named after Joseph Manning, former director of Tidewater Fisheries (a predecessor to The Fisheries Service). The hatchery is situated on 180 acres of land which consists of 28 fish production ponds, two fish culture buildings, one water supply reservoir, a combination building (garage, shop, office and laboratory) and three water supply wells.
The facility cultures warm water, cold water and anadromous species for stocking in Maryland waters, including the Chesapeake Bay. Manning Hatchery’s current species of attention include: American Shad, Hickory Shad, Striped Bass, Atlantic Sturgeon, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Golden Shiners, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Hybrid Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Walleye, Black Crappie, and Muskellunge. Fish cultured at Manning Hatchery are used to satisfy various program goals, including restoration of fish populations and enhancement of recreational fishing opportunities.
Solution
In 2013, Hallaton Environmental Linings was contracted to line five production ponds for juvenile fish. The material chosen was 45 mil RPP fabricated geomembrane, due to its flexibility, stability, UV resistance and longevity. Polypropylene prevents expose of the soil underneath, which over time can lead to seepage loss, unwanted vegetation and other issues.
The work associated with the installation of these pond liners included erosion and sediment controls, removal of vegetation from the existing pond interior, removal of unsuitable materials, subgrade preparation, installation and testing of the geomembrane liner. The panels were factory fabricated, ensuring clean seams with less field seaming required on-site that could potentially introduce contamination. As-built condition surveys of each pond were also completed following the installation of the pond liner. The survey included data points for top of slope, bottom of slope, side walls, bottom, interior structures, location of anchor trench, and extended a minimum of 10 feet past the top of slope line.
