Who We Are

Andrew Peters

Director, River Connectivity System

Andrew Peters is a leader in environmental technology, maritime operations, and sustainable hydropower innovation. Growing up on family fishing boats at the mouth of the Columbia River, he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by communities impacted by declining natural resources, inspiring his lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. In his late teens, he became the youngest research crewman aboard a NOAA vessel, conducting habitat surveys across the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. This experience led him to study fishing gear and technology design at the University of Rhode Island, setting the foundation for his career and US Coast Guard Masters licenses.

As Director of River Connectivity Systems, Andrew leads research and development initiatives that transform hydropower’s ecological impact, with projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and supported by prominent research institutions. His work focuses on advancing technologies for fish passage, invasive species management, and water quality within hydropower operations, helping build a sustainable energy future.

Andrew serves on the boards of both the Hydropower Foundation and the American Fisheries Society’s Joint Committee on Fisheries Engineering and Science. As chair of the Hydropower Foundation’s Communications Committee, he actively promotes education and workforce development for the future of hydropower. Through the American Fisheries Society, he hosts quarterly webinars bridging environmental science and engineering. Please reach out for more information on either of this important community groups.

Andrew’s diverse expertise, rooted in his connection to waterway communities, fisheries and environmental research, make him a driving force at RCS. He is dedicated to advancing technologies that support ecological health, regulatory compliance, and industry resilience.

Andrew Blystra, 

PE Senior Geotechnical and Geostructural Engineer

Andrew Blystra brings over 40 years of specialized experience in hydropower, geotechnical, and environmental engineering to River Connectivity Systems (RCS). His extensive background spans the energy, water resources, nuclear power, and environmental sectors, making him an invaluable asset in advancing sustainable hydropower solutions.

At RCS, Andrew leads hydropower and geotechnical initiatives, where he oversees Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) and conventional hydropower optimization. His expertise includes feasibility studies for expanding capacity at existing dams, FERC regulatory compliance, and due diligence assessments for new and rehabilitated dam projects. Andrew’s deep understanding of the hydropower operations, regulations and development allows RCS to navigate complex regulatory frameworks with ease.

In addition to his hydropower work, Andrew has served as a senior geotechnical engineer on numerous high-impact projects, focusing on dam safety, slope stability, and flood hazard re-evaluation at critical infrastructure sites. His experience includes third-party reviews of flood studies and calculations for nuclear facilities, underscoring his commitment to rigorous safety and environmental standards.

Andrew’s collaborative approach and dedication to regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship align seamlessly with RCS’s mission to innovate sustainable hydropower solutions that enhance ecological balance and operational efficiency. His leadership and technical expertise are instrumental in driving RCS’s mission to reshape hydropower with advanced, sustainable technologies.