A perspective on e-flows at hydroelectric projects in Canada
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PERSPECTIVES ON SUSTAINABLE HYDRO-POWER
Review Paper
A perspective on e-flows at hydroelectric projects in Canada Christos Katopodis
Received: 16 February 2020 / Revised: 16 July 2020 / Accepted: 10 August 2020 Ó Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
Abstract Setting e-flows (instream, environmental or ecological flow regimes) for existing or new hydroelectric and other projects is a key worldwide consideration. A Canadian perspective and experience in arriving at e-flow regimes for ice-free or icecovered rivers, with emphasis on small and large hydroelectric projects, is presented through general concepts and modeling approaches. Rather than a single standard approach, several methodologies are used throughout Canada, although in some regions preferred techniques may be favoured. Methods range from relatively simple desktop calculations based primarily on hydrological data to sophisticated hydrodynamic and habitat modeling followed by time series analyses. Method complexity usually depends on impact severity, particularly on fish and fish habitat. Multi-jurisdictional, legislative, climatic (e.g. ice regimes) and geographic landscapes present unique challenges for methods, data availability, and tools used to set e-flow regimes. Nature-mimicking approaches are also employed to enhance the ecological integrity of estimated flow regimes by imitating key elements of natural hydrographs and geomorphic
Guest editors: Ingeborg P. Helland, Michael Power, Eduardo G. Martins & Knut Alfredsen / Perspectives on the environmental implications of sustainable hydro-power C. Katopodis (&) Katopodis Ecohydraulics Ltd, Winnipeg, Canada e-mail: [email protected]
features. More holistic approaches and scientific reviews may supplement studies, particularly when complex technical and societal issues are involved. Plans for new or modified hydroelectric projects strive to balance power generation with social and economic considerations, as well as river flow regimes for ecological needs, including fish and fish habitat. Keywords E-flows Environmental flows Ecological flows Instream flows Ecohydraulics Canada
Introduction Rivers have greatly influenced human activities for millennia and continue to do so with increasing and diverse demands on their water resources. Hydropower, flood control and water withdrawals provide societal needs and economic activity, affecting river systems and their flow regimes. Rivers and streams along with their floodplains, wetlands, riparian and phreatic zones, are also holistic dynamic aquatic ecosystems supporting flora and fauna. Variability in flows, topography and biota transport pathways, as well as connectivity and complexity underpin watershed biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. Meeting the complex and challenging tasks of balancing water supply for human use with ecological integrity and the needs of aquatic life, have directed considerable
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Hydrobiologia
efforts worldwide for several decades to develop appropriate
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