DOCSLIB.ORG

Ageing Water Storage Infrastructure: an Emerging Global Risk

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ageing Water Storage Infrastructure: an Emerging Global Risk UNU-INWEH REPORT SERIES 11 Ageing Water Storage Infrastructure: An Emerging Global Risk Duminda Perera, Vladimir Smakhtin, Spencer Williams, Taylor North, Allen Curry www.inweh.unu.edu About UNU-INWEH UNU-INWEH’s mission is to help resolve pressing water challenges that are of concern to the United Nations, its Member States, and their people, through critical analysis and synthesis of existing bodies of scientific discovery; targeted research that identifies emerging policy issues; application of on-the-ground scalable science-based solutions to water issues; and global outreach. UNU-INWEH carries out its work in cooperation with the network of other research institutions, international organisations and individual scholars throughout the world. UNU-INWEH is an integral part of the United Nations University (UNU) – an academic arm of the UN, which includes 13 institutes and programmes located in 12 countries around the world, and dealing with various issues of development. UNU-INWEH was established, as a public service agency and a subsidiary body of the UNU, in 1996. Its operations are secured through long-term host-country and core-funding agreements with the Government of Canada. The Institute is located in Hamilton, Canada, and its facilities are supported by McMaster University. About UNU-INWEH Report Series UNU-INWEH Reports normally address global water issues, gaps and challenges, and range from original research on specific subject to synthesis or critical review and analysis of a problem of global nature and significance. Reports are published by UNU-INWEH staff, in collaboration with partners, as / when applicable. Each report is internally and externally peer-reviewed. UNU-INWEH Reports are an open access publication series, available from the Institute’s web site and in hard copies. © United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), 2021 Suggested Reference: Perera, D., Smakhtin, V., Williams, S., North, T., Curry, A., 2021. Ageing Water Storage Infrastructure: An Emerging Global Risk.UNU-INWEH Report Series, Issue 11. United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, Hamilton, Canada. Cover image: Ben Cody, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Elwha_Dam_under_ deconstruction.jpg Design: Kelsey Anderson (UNU-INWEH) Download at: http://inweh.unu.edu/publications/ ISBN: 978-92-808-6105-1 UNU-INWEH is supported by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. UNU-INWEH Report Series Issue 11 Ageing Water Storage Infrastructure: An Emerging Global Risk Duminda Perera United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, Hamilton, Canada University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada Vladimir Smakhtin United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, Hamilton, Canada Spencer Williams The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva, Switzerland Taylor North McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada Allen Curry Canadian Rivers Institute, University of New Brunswick, NB, Canada United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, Hamilton, ON, Canada CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 INTRODUCTION 5 GLOBAL DATASETS ON DAM CHARACTERISTICS 6 GLOBAL TRENDS IN LARGE DAM CONSTRUCTION AND AGEING 7 OVERVIEW OF DAM AGEING BY REGION AND DAM FUNCTION 10 Africa 10 Asia 10 Australia 11 Europe 11 North America 11 South America 12 DAM DECOMMISSIONING: REASONS, IMPACTS, AND TRENDS 12 Public safety: increasing risk 12 Maintenance: rising expense 14 Sedimentation: declining effectiveness of functions 15 Environment: restoring or redesigning natural environments 15 Societal impacts of dam decommissioning 15 Emerging trends 16 CASE STUDIES OF DAM AGEING AND DECOMMISSIONING 17 The Glines Canyon and Elwha dams, USA 17 The Poutès Dam, France 18 Mactaquac Dam, Canada 18 Mullaperiyar Dam, India 19 Kariba Dam, Zambia & Zimbabwe 20 Arase Dam, Japan 21 CONCLUSIONS 22 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 24 REFERENCES 24 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Report provides an overview of the current state of knowledge on the ageing of large dams –an emerging global development issue as tens of thousands of existing large dams have reached or exceeded an "alert" age threshold of 50 years, and many others will soon approach 100 years. These aged structures incur rapidly rising maintenance needs and costs while simultaneously declining their effectiveness and posing potential threats to human safety and the environment. The Report analyzes large dam construction trends across major geographical regions and primary dam functions, such as water supply, irrigation, flood control, hydropower, and recreation. Analysis of existing global datasets indicates that despite plans in some regions and countries to build more water storage dams, particularly for hydropower generation, there will not be another "dam revolution" to match the scale of the high-intensity dam construction experienced in the early to middle, 20th century. At the same time, many of the large dams constructed then are aging, and hence we are already experiencing a "mass ageing" of water storage infrastructure. The Report further explores the emerging practice of decommissioning ageing dams, which can be removal or re-operation, to address issues of ensuring public safety, escalating maintenance costs, reservoir sedimentation, and restoration of a natural river ecosystem. Decommissioning becomes the option if economic and practical limitations prevent a dam from being upgraded or if its original use has become obsolete. The cost of dam removal is estimated to be an order of magnitude less than that of repairing. The Report also gives an overview of dam decommissioning's socio-economic impacts, including those on local livelihoods, heritage, property value, recreation, and aesthetics. Notably, the nature of these impacts varies significantly between low- and high-income countries. The Report shows that while dam decommissioning is a relatively recent phenomenon, it is gaining pace in the USA and Europe, where many dams are older. However, it is primarily small dams that have been removed to date, and the decommissioning of large dams is still in its infancy, with only a few known cases in the last decade. A few case studies of ageing and decommissioned large dams illustrate the complexity and length of the process that is often necessary to orchestrate the dam removal safely. Even removing a small dam requires years (often decades), continuous expert and public involvement, and lengthy regulatory reviews. With the mass ageing of dams well underway, it is important to develop a framework of protocols that will guide and accelerate the process of dam removal. Overall, the Report aims to attract global attention to the creeping issue of ageing water storage infrastructure and stimulate international efforts to deal with this emerging water risk. This Report's primary target audiences are governments and their partners responsible for planning and implementing water infrastructure development and management, emphasizing adaptation to a changing climate and sustainable development. Keywords: dams, large dams, dam ageing, dam decommissioning, dam re-operation, dam removal, dam failure, reservoirs, sedimentation, public safety, river restoration, water storage, water infrastructure. 4 Ageing Water Storage Infrastructure: An Emerging Global Risk INTRODUCTION dams were built) have a design life of approximately 50-100 years (Mahmood, 1987; Ho et al., 2017). Water storage infrastructure, particularly large dams Others suggest the service life of well-designed, in the last 100 years, has traditionally been used to well-constructed, and well-maintained and regulate river flow worldwide. "Large dams" are monitored dams can easily reach 100 years, while defined by International Commission on Large some dam elements (gates, motors) may need Dams (ICOLD) as having a "height of 15 metres or to be replaced after 30 to 50 years (Wieland and greater from lowest foundation to crest, or a dam Mueller, 2009). According to Wan-Wendner (2018), between 5 metres and 15 metres impounding more all modern dams must meet safety regulations that than 3 million cubic metres". ICOLD's current World typically model and examine scenarios of failure up Register of Dams (WRD) comprises over 58,700 large to 100 years. In this Report, and similarly to Wan- dams that satisfy these criteria, although this list Wendner (2018), an arbitrary age of 50 years is used may be incomplete (ICOLD WRD, 2020). Together, as the point when "a human-built, large concrete these dams can store approximately between 7,000 structure such as a dam that controls water would and 8,300 km³ (Vörösmarty et al., 2003; Chao et al., most probably begin to express signs of aging." 2008, Zhou et al., 2015), or approximately 16% of all global annual river discharge, ~ 40,000 km³yr-1 These ageing signs may include increasing cases (Hanasaki et al., 2006). of dam failures, progressively increasing costs of dam repair and maintenance, increasing reservoir Dams exist in various designs and types that sedimentation, and loss of a dam's functionality and depend on several context-specific factors, effectiveness. These manifestations are strongly including geology, reservoir storage capacity, interconnected. Therefore, age per se is not a intended dam function(s), availability of materials, decisive variable for action. Two dams constructed and funds (USSD, 2015). The main functions
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Estimating Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Regional and Local Suitability: a Case Study in Washington State, USA
    hydrology Case Report Estimating Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Regional and Local Suitability: A Case Study in Washington State, USA Maria T. Gibson 1,* ID , Michael E. Campana 2 and Dave Nazy 3 1 Water Resources Graduate Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA 2 Hydrogeology and Water Resources, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA; [email protected] 3 EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, INC., Olympia, WA 98508, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-541-214-5599 Received: 21 December 2017; Accepted: 5 January 2018; Published: 12 January 2018 Abstract: Developing aquifers as underground water supply reservoirs is an advantageous approach applicable to meeting water management objectives. Aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) is a direct injection and subsequent withdrawal technology that is used to increase water supply storage through injection wells. Due to site-specific hydrogeological quantification and evaluation to assess ASR suitability, limited methods have been developed to identify suitability on regional scales that are also applicable at local scales. This paper presents an ASR site scoring system developed to qualitatively assess regional and local suitability of ASR using 9 scored metrics to determine total percent of ASR suitability, partitioned into hydrogeologic properties, operational considerations, and regulatory influences. The development and application of a qualitative water well suitability method was used to assess the potential groundwater response to injection, estimate suitability based on predesignated injection rates, and provide cumulative approximation of statewide and local storage prospects. The two methods allowed for rapid assessment of ASR suitability and its applicability to regional and local water management objectives at over 280 locations within 62 watersheds in Washington, USA.
    [Show full text]
  • Estimation of the Base Flow Recession Constant Under Human Interference Brian F
    WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH, VOL. 49, 7366–7379, doi:10.1002/wrcr.20532, 2013 Estimation of the base flow recession constant under human interference Brian F. Thomas,1 Richard M. Vogel,2 Charles N. Kroll,3 and James S. Famiglietti1,4,5 Received 28 January 2013; revised 27 August 2013; accepted 13 September 2013; published 15 November 2013. [1] The base flow recession constant, Kb, is used to characterize the interaction of groundwater and surface water systems. Estimation of Kb is critical in many studies including rainfall-runoff modeling, estimation of low flow statistics at ungaged locations, and base flow separation methods. The performance of several estimators of Kb are compared, including several new approaches which account for the impact of human withdrawals. A traditional semilog estimation approach adapted to incorporate the influence of human withdrawals was preferred over other derivative-based estimators. Human withdrawals are shown to have a significant impact on the estimation of base flow recessions, even when withdrawals are relatively small. Regional regression models are developed to relate seasonal estimates of Kb to physical, climatic, and anthropogenic characteristics of stream-aquifer systems. Among the factors considered for explaining the behavior of Kb, both drainage density and human withdrawals have significant and similar explanatory power. We document the importance of incorporating human withdrawals into models of the base flow recession response of a watershed and the systemic downward bias associated with estimates of Kb obtained without consideration of human withdrawals. Citation: Thomas, B. F., R. M. Vogel, C. N. Kroll, and J. S. Famiglietti (2013), Estimation of the base flow recession constant under human interference, Water Resour.
    [Show full text]
  • Module III - Water, Ecosystem Services, and Biodiversity
    Environmental Review Guide - Water, Ecosystem Services, and Biodiversity Module III - Water, Ecosystem Services, and Biodiversity The purpose of this module is to link the Regional Environmental Review Program to the goals of the Division of Ecological and Water Resources. The Division of Ecological and Water Resources works with others to: • Protect, restore, and sustain watershed functions (land-water connections, surface water resources) • Protect, restore, and sustain biodiversity and its adaptive potential • Protect, restore, and sustain groundwater resources • Provide and support excellent outdoor recreation opportunities • Minimize the negative economic and ecological impacts of invasive species • Support sustainable natural resource economies • Help achieve other DNR core objectives • Create and maintain a learning organization that implements the division’s guiding principles The Environmental Review Program is a key component in the Department of Natural Resources’ efforts to improve Minnesota’s water, ecosystem services, and biodiversity. DNR staff members involved in evaluating the effects of land- and water-use plans and economic development projects must take an integrated, systems-based, collaborative, and community- based approach to improving the habitat base and providing technical advice on actions that have the potential to adversely affect the environment. Staff must be ever mindful of the need to sustain (1) quantities and qualities of water that will ensure that Minnesota’s people and other biota can survive and thrive in the midst of changing trends in energy, climate, and demographics; (2) levels of diversity that will provide native Minnesota species and biomes with the resilience and adaptive capacities they need to evolve and thrive in the midst of changing conditions; and (3) economically vital ecosystem services that will provide Minnesota with economic and ecological security into the future.
    [Show full text]
  • Technical Note 15-04 Aquifer Storage and Recovery in Texas: 2015
    Technical Note 15-04 AQUIFER STORAGE AND RECOVERY IN TEXAS: 2015 by Matthew Webb Texas Water Development Board Technical Note 15-04 Table of Contents Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 2 Background ...................................................................................................................................... 2 Methods and Terms .................................................................................................................... 2 Definitions ................................................................................................................................... 4 Benefits and Challenges .............................................................................................................. 4 2011 Aquifer Storage and Recovery Assessment Report ........................................................... 5 Regulatory ....................................................................................................................................... 7 Source Water Permitting Requirements ..................................................................................... 7 Underground Injection Wells ...................................................................................................... 8 Groundwater Conservation Districts
    [Show full text]
  • WATER SECURITY STATUS REPORT December 2020
    WATER SECURITY STATUS REPORT December 2020 SEQ Water Grid capacity Average daily residential consumption Grid operations and overall water security position (L/Person) Despite receiving rainfall in parts of the northern and southern areas The Southern Regional Water Pipeline is still operating in a northerly 100% 250 2019 December average of South East Queensland (SEQ), the region continues to be in Drought direction. The Northern Pipeline Interconnectors (NPI 1 and 2) have been 90% 200 Response conditions with combined Water Grid storages at 57.8%. operating in a bidirectional mode, with NPI 1 flowing north while NPI 80% 150 2 flows south. The grid flow operations help to distribute water in SEQ Wivenhoe Dam remains below 50% capacity for the seventh 70% 100 where it is needed most. SEQ Drought Readiness 50 consecutive month. There was minimal rainfall in the catchment 60% average Drought Response 0 surrounding Lake Wivenhoe, our largest drinking water storage. The average residential water usage remains high at 172 litres per 50% person, per day (LPD). While this is less than the same period last year 40% 172 184 165 196 177 164 Although the December rain provided welcome relief for many of the (195 LPD), it is still 22 litres above the recommended 150 LPD average % region’s off-grid communities, Boonah-Kalbar and Dayboro are still under 57.8 30% *Data range is 03/12/2020 to 30/12/2020 and 05/12/2019 to 01/01/2020 according to the SEQ Drought Response Plan. drought response monitoring (see below for additional details). 20% See map below and legend at the bottom of the page for water service provider information The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) outlook for January to March is likely 10% The Gold Coast Desalination Plant (GCDP) had been maximising to be wetter than average for much of Australia, particularly in the east.
    [Show full text]
  • Heuristic Continuous Base Flow Separation
    Heuristic Continuous Base Flow Separation Jozsef Szilagyi1 Abstract: A digital filtering algorithm for continuous base flow separation is compared to physically based simulations of base flow. It is shown that the digital filter gives comparable results to model simulations in terms of the multiyear base flow index when a filter coefficient is used that replicates the watershed-specific time delay of model simulations. This way, the application of the heuristic digital filter for practical continuous base flow separation can be justified when auxiliary hydrometeorological data ͑such as precipitation and air temperature͒ typically required for physically based base flow separation techniques are not available or not representative of the watershed. The filter coefficient can then be optimized upon an empirical estimate of the watershed-specific time delay, requiring only the drainage area of the watershed. DOI: 10.1061/͑ASCE͒1084-0699͑2004͒9:4͑311͒ CE Database subject headings: Base flow; Digital filters; Runoff; Streamflow; Algorithms. Introduction needed to obtain a good estimate on the amount of water available to runoff. Many times the precipitation record has discontinuities Detailed knowledge of groundwater contribution to streams, i.e., that can easily thwart efforts to perform continuous base flow base flow, is important in many water management areas: water separation using physically based techniques. Clearly, there is a supply, wastewater dilution, navigation, hydropower generation practical need for a technique that uses the most basic information ͑Dingman 1994͒ and aquifer characterization ͑Brutsaert and Nie- available: streamflow and the corresponding drainage area. The ber 1977; Troch et al. 1993; Szilagyi et al. 1998; Brutsaert and digital filtering technique of Nathan and McMahon ͑1990͒ is such Lopez 1998͒.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecosystem Service Benefits Generated by Improved Water Quality from Conservation Practices
    March, 2017 Chapter 2 Ecosystem Service Benefits Generated by Improved Water Quality from Conservation Practices Authors Synthesis Chapter - The Valuation of Ecosystem Services from Farms and Forests: Informing a systematic approach to quantifying benefits of conservation programs Project Co-Chair: L. Wainger, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, MD, [email protected] Project Co-Chair: D. Ervin, Portland State University, Portland, OR, [email protected] Chapter 1: Assessing Pollinator Habitat Services to Optimize Conservation Programs R. Iovanna, United States Department of Agriculture – Farm Service Agency, Washington, DC, [email protected] A. Ando, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, [email protected] S. Swinton, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, [email protected] J. Kagan, Oregon State/Portland State, Portland, OR, [email protected] D. Hellerstein, United States Department of Agriculture - Economic Research Agriculture, Washington, DC, [email protected] D. Mushet, U.S. Geological Survey, Jamestown, ND, [email protected] C. Otto, U.S. Geological Survey, Jamestown, ND, [email protected] Chapter 2: Ecosystem Service Benefits Generated by Improved Water Quality from Conservation Practices L. Wainger, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, Solomons, MD, [email protected] J. Loomis, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, [email protected] R. Johnston, Clark University, Worcester, MA, [email protected] L. Hansen, USDA ERS, United States Department of Agriculture - Economic Research Agriculture, Washington, DC, [email protected] D. Carlisle, United States Geological Survey, Reston, VA, [email protected] D. Lawrence, Blackwooods Group, Washington, DC, [email protected] N. Gollehon, United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service, Beltsville, MD, [email protected] L.
    [Show full text]
  • Characterization of the Groundwater Storage Systems of South-Central Chile: an Approach Based on Recession Flow Analysis
    water Article Characterization of the Groundwater Storage Systems of South-Central Chile: An Approach Based on Recession Flow Analysis Víctor Parra 1,2,*, José Luis Arumí 1,2 , Enrique Muñoz 3,4 and Jerónimo Paredes 1 1 Department of Water Resources, Universidad de Concepción, Chillán 3812120, Chile; [email protected] (J.L.A.); [email protected] (J.P.) 2 Centro Fondap CRHIAM, Concepción 4070411, Chile 3 Department of Civil Engineering, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción 4090541, Chile; [email protected] 4 Centro de Investigación en Biodiversidad y Ambientes Sustentables CIBAS, Concepción 4090541, Chile * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +56-41-234-5355 Received: 16 September 2019; Accepted: 1 November 2019; Published: 7 November 2019 Abstract: Groundwater storage and discharge are important processes that have not yet been sufficiently studied in some parts of Chile. Additionally, in watersheds without snow cover or glaciers, groundwater storage and release are the main sources of minimum flow generation; therefore, improvements are required to characterize this process. This study aimed to use recession flow analysis to link groundwater storage depletion to the predominant geological characteristics of each watershed in order to improve our understanding of the groundwater storage-release process in 24 watersheds in south-central Chile. The results allowed different groundwater storage behaviors associated with different geological characteristics to be identified, making recession flow analysis a valuable tool for improving the representation and conceptualization of this process in order to advance toward better minimum flow predictions. Keywords: geology; recession flow analysis; groundwater storage 1. Introduction Mountain watersheds tend to be dominated by snowmelt or occasionally glacier melt, which are often the main sources of water in adjacent low-lying areas [1].
    [Show full text]
  • Economic Evaluation of Hydrological Ecosystem Services in Mediterranean River Basins Applied to a Case Study in Southern Italy
    water Article Economic Evaluation of Hydrological Ecosystem Services in Mediterranean River Basins Applied to a Case Study in Southern Italy Marcello Mastrorilli 1, Gianfranco Rana 1, Giuseppe Verdiani 2,*, Giuseppe Tedeschi 2, Antonio Fumai 3 and Giovanni Russo 4 ID 1 Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment (CREA-AA), 70125 Bari, Italy; [email protected] (M.M.); [email protected] (G.R.) 2 Basin Authority of Apulia, 70010 Valenzano, Italy; [email protected] 3 MANZONI Learning (Fire Protection), 70125 Bari, Italy; [email protected] 4 Department of Disaat, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +39-340-461-9902 Received: 21 December 2017; Accepted: 22 February 2018; Published: 26 February 2018 Abstract: Land use affects eco-hydrological processes with consequences for floods and droughts. Changes in land use affect ecosystems and hydrological services. The objective of this study is the analysis of hydrological services through the quantification of water resources, pollutant loads, land retention capacity and soil erosion. On the basis of a quantitative evaluation, the economic values of the ecosystem services are estimated. By assigning an economic value to the natural resources and to the hydraulic system, the hydrological services can be computed at the scale of catchment ecosystem. The proposed methodology was applied to the basin “Bonis” (Calabria Region, Italy). The study analyses four land use scenarios: (i) forest cover with good vegetative status (baseline scenario); (ii) modification of the forest canopy; (iii) variation in forest and cultivated surfaces; (iv) insertion of impermeable areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Quantitative Assessment of Surface Runoff and Base Flow Response to Multiple Factors in Pengchongjian Small Watershed
    Article Quantitative Assessment of Surface Runoff and Base Flow Response to Multiple Factors in Pengchongjian Small Watershed Lei Ouyang 1,2 , Shiyu Liu 1,2,*, Jingping Ye 1,2, Zheng Liu 1,2, Fei Sheng 1,2, Rong Wang 1 and Zhihong Lu 1 1 School of Land Resources and Environment, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; [email protected] (L.O.); [email protected] (J.Y.); [email protected] (Z.L.); [email protected] (F.S.); [email protected] (R.W.); [email protected] (Z.L.) 2 Key Laboratory of Poyang Lake Watershed Agricultural Resources and Ecology of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330045, China * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +86-158-7061-1238 Received: 22 July 2018; Accepted: 6 September 2018; Published: 10 September 2018 Abstract: Quantifying the impacts of multiple factors on surface runoff and base flow is essential for understanding the mechanism of hydrological response and local water resources management as well as preventing floods and droughts. Despite previous studies on quantitative impacts of multiple factors on runoff, there is still a need for assessment of the influence of these factors on both surface runoff and base flow in different temporal scales at the watershed level. The main objective of this paper was to quantify the influence of precipitation variation, evapotranspiration (ET) and vegetation restoration on surface runoff and base flow using empirical statistics and slope change ratio of cumulative quantities (SCRCQ) methods in Pengchongjian small watershed (116◦25048”–116◦2707” E, 29◦31044”–29◦32056” N, 2.9 km2), China. The results indicated that, the contribution rates of precipitation variation, ET and vegetation restoration to surface runoff were 42.1%, 28.5%, 29.4% in spring; 45.0%, 37.1%, 17.9% in summer; 30.1%, 29.4%, 40.5% in autumn; 16.7%, 35.1%, 48.2% in winter; and 35.0%, 38.7%, 26.3% in annual scale, respectively.
    [Show full text]
  • EIS Executive Summary
    CONTENTS 1 PROJECT AND PROCESSES — OVERVIEW 1 1.1 The Project 1 1.2 The Proponent 2 1.3 Background to the Project 2 1.4 Project Objectives 3 1.5 EIS Process 4 1.6 Project Approvals 5 1.7 Submissions 6 1.8 Consultation Process 7 1.8.1 Objectives 7 1.8.2 Scope of Community Consultation 8 1.8.3 Consultation Phases and Activities 8 1.8.4 Reporting and evaluation 8 1.8.5 Consultation Results to Date 8 1.9 Sustainability 9 1.9.1 Vision for the Logan River Catchment 9 1.9.2 Goals for Sustainability 10 1.10 Alternative Options Considered 10 1.10.1 Surface Water Supply Alternatives 10 1.10.2 Economic Assessment of Alternatives 11 1.10.3 Cost and Benefits of the Project 11 1.10.4 Do Nothing Option 13 1.11 Project Description 14 1.11.1 Pre-Storage Activities 18 1.11.2 Construction/Materials 18 1.11.3 Construction Timetable/Hours of Operation 19 1.11.4 Workforce and Accommodation 19 1.11.5 Operations 20 1.11.6 Management of Extractions and Releases 20 2 IMPACT ASSESSMENT 21 2.1 Methodology 21 2.2 Environmental Overview 21 2.3 State and Local Government Requirements 21 2.4 Land Use and Tenure 21 2.4.1 Land Tenure 21 Wyaralong Dam – Environmental Impact Statement Executive Summary Page i 2.4.2 Land Use 22 2.4.3 Land Use Controls in Buffer Area 22 2.4.4 Environmental Land Use Changes 22 2.5 Infrastructure 23 2.6 Topography and Geomorphology 23 2.7 Soils and Geology 24 2.8 Landscape Character and Visual Amenity 24 2.9 Land Contamination 24 2.10 Hydrology 25 2.11 Groundwater 25 2.12 Surface Water Quality 26 2.13 Climate, Natural Hazards and Extreme Weather
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to the Soil-Water-Plant Environment
    William Northcott Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Michigan State University NRCS Irrigation Training Feb 2-3 and 9-10, 2010 Irrigation Scheduling Process of maintaining an optimum water balance in the soil profile for crop growth and production Irrigation decisions are based on an accounting method on the water content in the soil Reasons for Irrigation in Fruits and Vegetables Crop Growth and Development Meeting the daily water use requirements Crop Establishment Transplants need water in excess of normal crop water use Frost Protection Sometimes requires more than one type – overhead for frost protection along with drip irrigation. Chemigation / Fertigation Herbicide Activation Irrigation Scheduling Components Plant Growth Stage and Water Use Soil Water Holding Capacity Evaporative Demand RECORDKEEPING Irrigation Scheduling Levels of Accounting 0 – Guessing (irrigate whenever) 1 – Using the “feel and see” method 2 – Using systematic irrigation (ex: ¾” every 4th day) 3 – Using a soil moisture measuring tool to start irrigation 4 – Using a soil moisture measuring tool to schedule irrigation and apply amounts based on a budgeting procedure 5 – Adjusting irrigation to plant water use, using a dynamic water balance based on budgeting procedure and plant stage and growth, together with a soil water moisture measuring tool. Irrigation Scheduling Components Plant Growth Stage and Water Use Soils and Water Holding Capacity Evaporative Demand RECORDKEEPING Plant Growth and Water Use Fundamentally crops use water to facilitate cell growth, maintain turgor pressure, and for cooling. Crop water use is driven by the evaporative demand of the atmosphere. Function of temperature, solar radiation, wind, relative humidity. Example, a fully developed corn crop in Michigan can use as high as 0.35 inches per day.
    [Show full text]