ORONO — University of Maine students are helping design improvements to a salmon-rearing facility along the Aroostook River, putting classroom learning into practice.
The project is being developed in partnership with Atlantic Salmon for Northern Maine, a nonprofit organization focused on restoring Atlantic salmon populations in northern Maine rivers. The group currently operates the Dug Brook Hatchery in Sheridan, and students are helping design an upgrade to the facility to improve its aging water supply system and ensure it meets current environmental standards.
Students are contributing to the design of a water supply system that will serve a building housing 14 fish tanks, along with waste recovery systems, surface drainage controls, water-mixing infrastructure and systems to regulate oxygen levels and water quality for salmon rearing.
As part of the capstone project, students are evaluating river conditions, seasonal flow variations and environmental constraints to ensure a reliable water supply that protects the health of the Aroostook River. The work requires balancing engineering needs with ecological considerations, a challenge that mirrors real-world infrastructure planning in sensitive environments. Students must design systems that provide consistent water flow while minimizing disturbance to wetlands and river habitats.
The project reflects UMaine’s commitment to learner-centered R1, hands-on, real-world research learning opportunities, where undergraduate students work directly with faculty and industry partners to tackle challenges facing Maine communities.
Olivia Stewart, a senior civil engineering student at the University of Maine, serves as the capstone team’s project manager.
“The environmental considerations highly influence our design,” Stewart said. “Our project is to help bring back endangered salmon, so in doing that, it is important to me that the project itself is not negatively harming the environment. We have been in contact with the Department of Environmental Protection about every choice we make because a lot of our work is on the Aroostook River and in a wetland. These are very sensitive areas, so this is on the front of our minds when making decisions.”
The capstone experience emphasizes applied problem-solving and collaboration. Students work in teams to develop design solutions, assess feasibility and respond to evolving project requirements, gaining experience that extends beyond traditional classroom instruction. Working with a nonprofit organization has also exposed students to a different type of client relationship than they might encounter in private industry.
Northern Maine’s weather and geography present additional challenges. Students must account for cold-weather impacts such as ice formation and year-round operation while ensuring the system remains efficient and adaptable over time. These constraints require careful planning and attention to detail throughout the design process, particularly when designing infrastructure intended to operate through harsh winters.
The project’s importance extends beyond engineering education. Atlantic salmon were historically abundant in northern Maine, supporting local economies and communities. Over time, dams, habitat loss and environmental changes have significantly reduced salmon runs, particularly for Atlantic salmon populations that migrate into Maine waters from Canada.
David Putnam, science coordinator for ASNM, said the students’ work is helping modernize the hatchery’s infrastructure while supporting broader restoration efforts in the region.
“Approximately 60% of the land area of Maine is north of the latitudinal mid-point (Howland),” Putnam said. “Yet the vast majority of attention and funding is fixated on the smaller, but heavily populated, south. UMaine engineering students are providing much-needed and appreciated assistance to ASNM. These are the engineers of the future, and they will have experience in the north.”
By working with an external partner on a real site, students gain firsthand experience with client communication, environmental permitting and long-term project goals. The capstone provides an opportunity to see how engineering decisions can influence both environmental outcomes and community development.
Through this project, students are contributing to efforts that combine local aquaculture and environmental stewardship while benefiting the community and preparing students for careers in engineering and environmental fields.