Defining ecological and economical hydropoweroperations: a framework for managing dam releasesto meet multiple conflicting objectives

Journal of Energy Challenges and Mechanics
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Abstract

Hydroelectric dams are a flexible source of power, provide flood control, and contribute to the economic growth of local communities through real-estate and recreation. Yet the impoundment of rivers can alter and fragment miles of critical riverine habitat needed for other competing needs such as downstream consumptive water use, fish and wildlife population viability, or other forms of recreation. Multiple conflicting interests can compromise progressive management especially with recognized uncertainties related to whether management actions will fulfill the objectives of policy makers, resource managers and/or facility owners. Decision analytic tools were used in a stakeholder-driven process to develop and implement a template for evaluation and prediction of the effects of water resource management of multiple-use systems under the context provided by R.L. Harris Dam on the Tallapoosa River, Alabama, USA. The approach provided a transparent and structured framework for decision-making and incorporated both existing and new data to meet multiple management objectives. Success of the template has been evaluated by the stakeholder governing body in an adaptive resource management framework since 2005 and is ongoing. Consequences of management of discharge at the dam were evaluated annually relative to stakeholder satisfaction to allow for adjustment of both management scenarios and objectives. This template can be applied to attempt to resolve conflict inherent in many dam-regulated systems where management decisions impact diverse values of stakeholders.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Defining ecological and economical hydropoweroperations: a framework for managing dam releasesto meet multiple conflicting objectives
Series title Journal of Energy Challenges and Mechanics
Volume 1
Issue 3
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher North Sea Conference & Journal
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 8 p.
First page 139
Last page 146
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