Electrical effects on barges, tows, and people by the Chicago sanitary and ship canal electric fish barrier: preliminary results

The temporary electric fish barrier in the Chicago ship and sanitary canal is a unique structure designed to halt the passage of invasive species. Observation of sparking during the assembly of a tow and an incident of electric shock to personnel in the barrier region required that a closer examination of the operation of the barrier be conducted. Personnel from ERDC-CERL conducted a variety of measurements near and over the barrier that showed that simple adherence to existing regulations and common practices will ensure safe operation of conventional barging operations. The sparking was found to be a low voltage phenomenon, which in all cases can be easily prevented by following simple guidance. ERDC-CERL also made measurements of the electric field that a person in the water would be subjected to and of touch potentials to nearby objects. The effect of the barrier on people is still being investigated.