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Impacts From Non-Hydropower Dams
Impacts Water Quality Dams can negatively impact water quality both downstream of the dam and in the reservoir itself. Good water quality is important for the protection of human health and for Alabama’s native species and unique heritage. Dams can affect many aspects of water quality such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, water clarity, sedimentation, and nutrients, among others, which are directly linked to human health, fish and wildlife habitat, and aesthetics.
Fragments Aquatic Habitat Dams block the passage of fish and other
aquatic organisms and can prevent their movement up and down the river and in
the tributaries. As a result, fish migration and spawning can be adversely
impacted. Many species of aquatic
organisms require a variety of habitat (different parts of the river where they
can live and eat) in order to survive.
Dams prevent aquatic species from being able to move from habitat to
habitat and between tributaries. This
causes many species to be “trapped” in a certain area and causes the gene pool
to be diminished, leading to weaker and fewer species.
Alters the Flows Downstream Dams greatly alter the flow of water in
segments of the river below the dam.
Even with flow releases from the dam, the natural flows of the stream
will be impacted. Maintaining the natural flow in a stream is critical for
aquatic ecosystems and for wildlife.
Altered flows can also impact stream bank stabilization, erosion,
property values, and recreation.
Harms Species that Require Flowing Water Dams cause the water behind it to slow
down, significantly altering the type and amount of available living spaces
(habitat) to aquatic species and even land-based wildlife, such as deer,
raccoons, and birds. Many species
require flowing, high quality water to survive.
Other species require habitat that occurs along the banks of flowing
streams or in shallow shoals areas.
Deep, slow moving water in a reservoir will severely alter the habitat
of many native species.
Prevents Flow of Vital Materials Dams prevent the flow of nutrients,
plants, debris, and sediments to parts of the river below the dam. These naturally-occurring materials are
essential for the survival of native species.
When these materials are not allowed to pass downstream, they accumulate
behind the dam, leading to problems with water quality, habitat, and
aesthetics. For example, sediment can
build up in areas of slower moving water, smothering habitat for bottom
dwelling organisms such as mussels and crawfish.
Impacts Recreational Activities The loss of water and the potential
loss of good water quality as a result of dams can lead to a reduction in the
availability of recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, and
boating. Land based recreation such as
hiking and bird watching are also impacted from the loss of scenic stream segments
and a reduction in wildlife.
Impacts Floodplains and Wetlands Without natural flows in the river,
floodplains can be cut off from seasonal flows of water that are important for
wildlife, plants, wetlands, fish reproductive cycles, and the overall
ecosystem. Without the needed flood
flows, many wetlands and the wildlife dependant upon them could perish.
Impacts Community and Quality of Life The community surrounding a dam faces
irreversible impacts from the construction of a dam. Personal property is lost and the quality of
life along with it.
Impacts Our Unique Natural Heritage All of the issues mentioned above can
have significant impacts on streams, which are on integral part of Alabama’s
natural heritage. These types of damage
can prevent the use and enjoyment of our waterbodies by future generations.
Alternatives to Dams
If the need for a new water supply or flood management actually exists, there are many other, less damaging options to consider in lieu of a new dam. In a recent publication, “Beyond Dams: Options and Alternatives,” from American Rivers and International Rivers Network, a number of viable alternatives are discussed and include:
- alternative ways to divert and store water, such as infiltration galleries and seasonal dams;
- alternatives for new sources of water, such as rainwater harvesting and recycled water;
- and options for reducing the demand for water, such as
water conservation programs and conservation pricing for current water
supplies.
Prior to planning for the construction of a new dam, these and other applicable alternatives should be evaluated for potential site-specific applications. The American Rivers report confirms that new dams don’t have to be the first solution for water supply and flooding problems. The publication is available on American Rivers’ website, www.americanrivers.org, or you may contact Serena McLain at 202-347-7550 to request a hard copy. A copy of the report is available for review at the Alabama Rivers Alliance office in Birmingham.
Resources
The following resources are available to the public to assist local efforts to prevent the construction of new dams. The listed publications are also available for review at ARA’s office,
Alabama Rivers Alliance 2027 Second Avenue North, Suite A
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
(205) 322-6395
American Rivers 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 720
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 347-7550
Publications
Beyond Dams: Options and Alternatives, American Rivers and International Rivers Network, www.americanrivers.org,
Rivers at Risk: The Concerned Citizen’s Guide to Hydropower, American Rivers
Rivers at Risk: Dams and the future of freshwater ecosystems, World Wildlife Fund
Dams and Development: A New Framework for Decision-Making, World Commission on Dams, www.dams.org
Agency Contacts
The following state and federal agencies are involved with the permitting or review of proposed non-hydropower dams in Alabama.
Water
Quality Certification
Alabama Dept. of Environmental Management (ADEM)
PO Box 301463
Montgomery, Alabama 36130-1463
(334) 271-7700
Instream Flow and Water Withdrawals
Office of Water Resources
401 Adams Avenue, Suite 434
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
(334) 242-5499
Protection of Alabama’s Fish and Wildlife
Alabama Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources (ADCNR)
64 N. Union Street, Suite 468
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
(334) 242-3465
Issuing Permits for the Construction of Non-Hydropower Dams
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Mobile District
PO Box 2288
Mobile, Alabama 36628-0001
(251) 694-3776 (Regulatory division)
Protection of Threatened and Endangered Species
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Daphne Office
PO Drawer 1190
Daphne, Alabama 36526
(251) 441-5181
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