Eel Passage Design and Development for Three Northeast England Water Structures

The Environment Agency is seeking a contractor to complete an optioneering study and detailed design for eel passage systems at three water structures in the Northeast. The project requires identifying the most suitable eel pass option for each site and progressing it to construction-ready detailed design. Key Requirements: - Design solutions that safely enable eel and elver passage during migration periods - Ensure solutions are constructable, maintainable, and safely decommissionable - Prioritize cost-effective and low-carbon designs with minimal ongoing maintenance - Solutions must withstand hydraulic conditions and debris at each location - Designs should be accessible for regular cleaning and monthly inspections without specialist knowledge - Comply with Environment Agency standard LIT 75351 AM TA for maintenance and operation - Non-powered solutions are preferred, though innovative alternatives will be considered for Houghton Weir This is a strategic environmental project supporting fish migration and river ecosystem health across three sites in the Northeast Hub area.