- Down Go The Dams
Summary-AVID Article Format
- People wish to remove retired dams to replenish the ecosystem, but it's not as easy as decommissioning one
- Hydroelectric power makes up 20% of the world's energy, and 800,000 dams operate worldwide
- Control flooding, reserve water for irrigation, drinking, and recreation; also trap sediment, ruin vistas, stymie migratory fish and destroy ecosystems around waterways
- Many oppose dams for being harmful, and dams are starting to fall worldwide (80 in the past 2 years)
- Many dam removal success stories of the ecosystem replenishing itself after removal (Loire Valley, Edwards Dam)
- Loire Valley had 100,000 migrating salmon before the dams, 389 after; dam decommissioned and salmon thrived
- Temperature of water normalizes, oxygen levels increase, clarity increases, flora returns, cold water fish returns
- But release sediment from dam removal can block waterways and muddy the environment, killing vital food sources for fish due to decreased turbidity levels; can also promote exotic invasive species
- Redesign of the area and research must be made to ensure no damage to environment and community
- Careful planning, rerouting, and managing (such as the Fossil Creek project) is how a dam should be removed
- Caught fish, killed exotic species, and replaced fish; impeded exotics; created more barriers for habitats
- Build channels to stabilize sediment, divert sediment away and remove small amounts at a time if toxic
- Some situations call for removal, some can be flushed natural; depends on sediment load and flushing capacity
- Fossil Creek - first successful exotic species removal in dam area, model for future dam removals
- Recovery info still limited, but studies are being conducted on successful dam removal sites
- More protection must be used to compensate for tourist travel, using models, simulations
- More people advocating the removal of dams to preserve natural environment
Summary
The use of dams as a structure for both a reservoir for water and a power supply is widely popularized in all bodies of water - around 800,000 dams operate worldwide. However, the adverse effects of dams are starting to catch up. Countless rivers and streams are starting to become blocked with sediment, and migratory fish have nowhere to go. Now that the environment is taking the toll, many have decided to decommission dams in an attempt to restore the ecosystem. Much difficulty comes with the removal: removal requires much planning and strategizing to refrain from damaging the environment further with sediments and exotic species. Some hope, however, that removal is more popularized than creation, since many want the beauty of nature back.
Reflection
Although dams do account for 20% of the world's power, I believe that less invasive hydroelectric alternatives should be sought, since dams are so huge and negative. Why not go back to water wheels, or anything similar? Another topic that should be addressed is the use of dams as reservoirs. Why not use rainwater reservoirs? I believe that dams are extremely inefficient for what they do, despite the huge supply of water they store and the power they supply. Non-fossil fuel power is the right way, but if they affect the environment adversely, then they aren't the way to go.