Big improvements at Wigwam Rearing Station
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has recently completed the second phase of a major renovation at the Wigwam Rearing Station—Wyoming’s third-largest hatchery, which produces between 50,000–60,000 pounds of trout annually. This renovation involved replacing aging fiberglass tanks with Octaform’s advanced tank system to support the hatchery’s critical role in sustaining fish populations for recreational fishing across the state.
“We needed a more robust solution. Octaform’s PVC system is not only bio-secure and easy to clean, but it also ensures that our plumbing and infrastructure are protected. Our team spends a fraction of the time cleaning the Octaform tanks compared to fibreglass ones.”
Project Partners
- Wyoming Game and Fish Department
The project at Wigwam marks the latest in a series of successful collaborations between the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Octaform. Since 2010, Wyoming has used Octaform’s tank technology for multiple hatchery upgrades, including the Ten Sleep and Dan Speas hatcheries.
Wyoming’s harsh winter climate, where frost can reach up to 4–5 feet, also played a role in the decision to choose Octaform, known for its durability and resistance to extreme weather.
Octaform Advantages
Cost Savings
Octaform’s solution provided decreased total costs compared to traditional methods involving concrete and polyurethane applied membrane coatings. This cost efficiency was instrumental in keeping the project within budget.
Construction Efficiency
Octaform’s system significantly reduced construction time and labor requirements. The ease of installation contributed to a streamlined construction process, saving valuable time and resources.
Built-In Insulation
Octaform’s system incorporated insulation directly into the structure. This ensured optimal thermal performance, with the thermal mass of concrete on the interior of the structure and insulation on the exterior, reducing operating costs.
Simplified Maintenance
The durability of Octaform’s tank interior was a crucial factor. The system resists corrosion and requires no mid-life servicing or re-coating, further reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Corrosion Resistance
Octaform’s PVC stay-in-place forming system offered superior corrosion resistance compared to traditional concrete and membrane systems. This durability ensures a longer service life for the infrastructure.
Outcomes
The renovation at Wigwam was completed ahead of schedule, with construction starting in mid-September and finishing by the end of November 2023. Octaform’s project execution team worked closely with the new contractor to ensure a smooth process, timely deliveries, and a minimal learning curve.
Key benefits from the upgrade include:
- Improved fish performance thanks to the smooth PVC interior, which reduces fin damage.
- Better water quality, with reduced algae and biofilm growth.
- Increased operational efficiency, with significantly less time needed for cleaning and maintenance.
- Enhanced structural integrity to withstand harsh Wyoming winters.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department manages an extensive network of fish hatcheries dedicated to supporting the state’s vibrant recreational fishing industry and maintaining healthy fish populations. Through their Fish Hatcheries Program, Wyoming Game and Fish oversees several facilities that rear various fish species for stocking in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across Wyoming.
We’ve noticed that fish performance has improved, likely due to the smooth surface of the tanks, which prevents fin damage and reduces algae buildup. The water quality has been consistently better, with far less algae and biofilm growth.
Overall, we’re extremely satisfied with how the Octaform tanks have performed at Wigwam and other hatcheries across the state. We expect these tanks to last a lifetime, and we would certainly recommend this technology to other hatchery operators.
Conclusion
Having successfully completed several hatchery projects with Octaform technology, Wyoming Game and Fish is already looking ahead to future opportunities. Trimble confirmed that they are considering Octaform for an upcoming project featuring rectangular raceways, a configuration that the Octaform team is well-equipped to handle.
Another key facility, the Ten Sleep Fish Hatchery, specializes in raising Yellowstone cutthroat trout, brook trout, and other species. Like Wigwam, Ten Sleep has benefited from the durable, bio-secure infrastructure that Octaform technology provides, ensuring long-lasting performance in Wyoming’s challenging climate.
With these advancements, Wyoming Game and Fish is committed to supporting sustainable fish management and enhancing outdoor recreation for generations to come.
