Hydropower

Question 1

What are some ways of altering natural aquatic communities?

Answer 1

o Loss/reduction of downstream flow.
o Deterioration of water quality.
o Water-related diseases.
o Impede fish migration.
o Floating aquatic vegetation.

Question 2

What are the possible effects associated with the release of water?

Answer 2

 Water temperature.
 Water speed.
 Settling of pollutants.
 Release of invasives.

Question 3

Define Greenhouse gas Emission

Answer 3

A byproduct of anaerobic respiration created during the breakdown of submerged organic debris.

Question 4

How does greenhouse gas emissions work with water?

Answer 4

o Shallow water: methane.
o Deeper water: converts to CO2.

Organic build-up from initial plants or rise and fall of water depth.
Tropics: year-round warm temperature = continual decomposition and growth

Question 5

List some indirect impacts of hydropower.

Answer 5

o Access roads
o Power transmission lines
o Quarries and borrow pits.
o Increased restoration and forest
o Preservation of forests in watershed.
o Cement use.

Question 6

List some ways to minimize the environmental impacts of hydropower.

Answer 6

o Remove biomass before flooding.
o Managed water releases.
o Create fish passage facilities.
o Site selection to minimize shallow bays and impacts of sedimentation.
o Careful about how water is released downstream.