The Corps had its contractor de-water the area below the dam and install a cofferdam immediately downstream of the construction site. Biologists then rescued stranded fish in the construction area and released them into the South Fork below the cofferdam. Construction did not require lowering the reservoir or affect recreation on the lake. Water from the reservoir flowed around the construction site through the regulating outlets so there was no interruption in the flow of the river. The Corps monitored water quality at the construction site and downstream flows in the McKenzie River. An environmental coordinating committee addressed issues throughout the planning, design and construction of the facility. They ensured the design met current fish passage criteria and the project completed in a manner consistent with relevant environmental protection laws and regulations.