HYDRO DAMS AND ENVIRONMENT

Affects of Hydro Electric Dams to River Environment and Risk Assessment to Local Communities



Affects of Hydro Electric Dams to River Environment and Risk Assessment to Local Communities

Introduction

Dams have been constructed by humans since the dawn of civilization to achieve water resource management goals, including, but not limited to, water storage for irrigation and supply, reduction of downstream flooding, and the provision of electricity. A significant proportion of catalogued dams create large impoundments, i.e., artificial lakes or ponds that inundate river channels upstream and the effects of these large structures on river geomorphology are well documented (Dyson & Berkamp, 2003: 14). Impoundment dams alter the natural flow and flood regimes of a river, resulting in accumulation of sediment upstream within the impoundment and channel erosion downstream of the dam.

Hydroelectric energy was once unanimously regarded as a boon to businesses, communities and the environment, today it faces growing criticism. According to many environmentalists, dams are too harmful to the environment to be considered a clean source of energy. Some observers decry the fact that many hydroelectric dams are administered by state and federal governments, which provide money and personnel to construct and maintain dams. This is the reason for which it is necessary and important to study the effects of hydroelectric dams to river environment and qualitative risk assessment to local communities.

Analysis, Evidence & Argument

A growing number of critics also contend that hydroelectric dams should be dismantled in order to restore natural river flow and revitalize dwindling fish populations. In July 1998, Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt attended the demolition of the Edwards Dam on the Kennebec River in Maine, and declared his support for "breaching" (demolishing) more than 75,000 of the 100,000 other dams throughout the U.S. Hydroelectric dams greatly affect the environment of river and create risks for local communities (Ledec & Quintero, 2004: 8). The justification of the dams is mainly focused on the dependence there to the world hydropower and the benefits brought about by the hydroelectric dams when the electricity sector. On the other hand the opposition to these dams is caused by social and environmental costs they have caused. In addition to the justification or opposition can be seen on the issue of dams and a shortage resources is also necessary to point out that the diversity of uses of dams even more complicated the debate.

Yet as criticism of hydroelectric energy has mounted, many leaders have risen to its defense. Supporters argue that hydroelectric dams have been wrongfully blamed for environmental problems. In fact, they say, hydroelectric energy helps reduce air pollution by lessening the need to burn fossil fuels. (Burning fossil fuels contributes to smog and other types of air pollution.) Because they often create large reservoirs, dams also provide citizens with drinking water and recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing, supporters say (Postel & Richter, 2003: 21). Advocates of hydroelectric energy have vehemently denounced environmentalists' calls for the demolition of dams. With the costs of traditional fuel--particularly oil--on the rise, ...