Hydropower to the Environment and Society

It is important to remember that people, and all their actions, are part of the natural world. The materials used for building, energy, clothing, food, and all the familiar parts of our day-to-day world come from natural resources. To meet our needs and support our built environment, we need electricity which can be generated by using the resources of natural fuels. Most resources are not renewable; there is a limited supply. In obtaining resources, it is often necessary to drill oil wells, tap natural gas supplies, or mine coal and uranium. To put water to work on a large scale, storage dams are needed.

We know that any innovation introduced by people has an impact on the natural environment. That impact may be desirable to some, and at the same time, unacceptable to others. Using any source of energy has some environmental cost. It is the degree of impact on the environment that is crucial. Some human activities have more profound and lasting impacts than others. Techniques to mine resources from below the earth may leave long-lasting scars on the landscape. Oil wells may detract from the beauty of open, grassy fields. Reservoirs behind dams may cover picturesque valleys. Once available, use of energy sources can further impact the air, land, and water in varying degrees.

People want clean air and water and a pleasing environment. We also want energy to heat and light our homes and run our machines. What is the solution?  The situation seems straightforward: The demand for electrical power must be curbed or more power must be produced in environmentally acceptable ways. The solution, however, is not so simple.

Conservation can save electricity, but at the same time our population is growing steadily. Growth is inevitable, and with it the increased demand for electric power. Since natural resources will continue to be used, the wisest solution is a careful, planned approach to their future use. All alternatives must be examined, and the most efficient, acceptable methods must be pursued.

Hydroelectric facilities have many characteristics that favor developing new projects and upgrading existing powerplants:

• Hydroelectric powerplants do not use up limited nonrenewable resources to make electricity.
• They do not cause pollution of air, land, or water.
• They have low failure rates, low operating costs, and are reliable.
• They can provide startup power in the event of a system wide power failure.

As an added benefit, reservoirs have scenic and recreation value for campers, fishermen, and water sports enthusiasts. The water is a home for fish and wildlife as well. Dams add to domestic water supplies, control water quality, provide irrigation for agriculture, and avert flooding. Dams can actually improve downstream conditions by allowing mud and other debris to settle out.

Existing power plants can be uprated or new power plants added at current dam sites without a significant effect on the environment. New facilities can be constructed with consideration of the environment. For instance, dams can be built at remote locations, power plants can be placed underground, and selective withdrawal systems can be used to control the water temperature released from the dam. Facilities can incorporate features that aid fish and wildlife, such as salmon runs or resting places for migratory birds.

The value of water must be considered by all energy planners. Some water is now dammed and can be put to work to make hydroelectric power. Other water is presently going to waste. The fuel burned to replace this wasted energy is gone forever and, so, is a loss to our Nation. The longer we delay the balanced development of our potential for hydro power, the more we unnecessarily use up other vital resources.