Abstract: A water collection and distribution unit is provided for collecting a water stream and dividing the stream into a discharge stream and an outlet stream. The outlet stream has a predetermined desired flow rate. The unit has a box for receiving water, and the box has a discharge port and an outlet port. The unit has a self-locking gate for controlling the rate of discharge through the outlet port. The self-locking gate has a pair of spaced apart vertical tracks for receiving a plate which is vertically moveable within the tracks. A locking element is pivotally attached to the plate and has a finger which is received within a track for locking the plate into a position relative to the track. The track has a series of holes for receiving the finger at any of a plurality of vertical positions. A stop element limits the movement of the locking element to facilitate the locking function. The locking element may be rotated to a non-locking position to permit lowering of the plate.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for using coal mine water effluent and for raising cold water fish. The method involves aerating coal mine water effluent having a water temperature of from 12 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius, and directing the water to a container having water and fish therein. The fish are preferably selected from rainbow trout, sturgeon, arctic char and Atlantic salmon. The system involves a coal mine having water effluent at a temperature of from 12 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius, an aeration device for aerating the water effluent to produce aerated water, means for carrying the water effluent from the mine to the aeration device, a container containing fish and water, and means for carrying the aerated water from the device to the container.