Duke Energy Proposed St. Petersburg Fish-Return System
The utility plans to upgrade water screens at the Bartow Combined Cycle Station to minimize marine life impact.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Utilities
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Duke Energy has proposed a new fish-return system for the Bartow Combined Cycle Station in St. Petersburg. The project aims to reduce marine life losses caused by the facility's water intake from Old Tampa Bay.
Why it matters
This initiative seeks to align the cooling infrastructure with federal environmental standards by minimizing the entrainment and impingement of local marine organisms. It serves as a conservation effort for the area near the Weedon Island Preserve.
The project includes the replacement of six water screens at an estimated cost of $6.6 million. The utility will monitor results through a two-year biological optimization study following construction.
The players
Duke Energy
This major electric power holding company operates energy generation and distribution facilities across the United States.
The details
The facility will install screens with finer mesh and a low-pressure spray system to divert organisms into a return line. This infrastructure is designed to discharge marine life safely back into Old Tampa Bay.
Timeline
Construction could begin in December 2026 pending permit approval.
Project construction is tentatively expected to finish in January 2028.
Market Landscape
This project reflects a broader trend of utility companies investing in environmental infrastructure to comply with tightening federal mandates. These upgrades reposition firms to meet regulatory expectations while managing the environmental footprint of coastal operations.
Local residents and visitors to the nearby Weedon Island Preserve may see construction activity at the site starting in 2026. This project aims to preserve the marine ecosystem of Old Tampa Bay without interrupting essential power services.
The takeaway
The installation represents a significant capital investment focused on ecological protection in a delicate coastal environment. Residents should expect updates on permit approvals as the utility moves toward the 2026 construction phase.
What happens next
Construction is projected to begin in December 2026 pending the receipt of necessary environmental permits.
Further reading
Learn more about local power infrastructure and environmental compliance at the Utilities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St Pete Catalyst.
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