Author(s): Andrea Maffio; Elisabetta Garofalo
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Sedimentation; Dam; Modeling; Water quality; Reservoir
Abstract: Sedimentation in artificial reservoirs in hydropower systems and/or for irrigation and drinking water uses, brings about issues related to operational safety (e. g. clogging of dam bottom outlets) and environmental impact (e. g. on aquatic life) due to sediment release to the downstream water bodies. In the framework of R&D activities aimed at improving the Italian electric system, CESI RICERCA has conducted a research project to develop tools, based upon mathematical modeling and field data methodologies, to assess reservoir sedimentation and related environmental issues. The project has the scope to support evaluation and mitigation of reservoir sedimentation and aquatic impact downstream the dam due to sediment releases. This paper presents a review of the activities carried out in the project and focusing on: develop a modeling-GIS integrated software to quantify different sedimentation processes (e. g. sediment yield in the upstream watershed, sediment transport in the reservoir, ecological impact in the river downstream the dam); set up methodologies based on field data to define indexes to assess the ecological impact downstream the dam due to sediment release; optimize bathymetric survey methodologies used to define reservoir elevationcapacity curve; finally, elaborate guidelines to provide advice for cost-effective use of methodologies considered (based either on mathematical modeling or field data). An Italian reservoir has been considered as pilot study. Extensive field campaigns have been conducted to collect experimental data (e. g. water turbidity, aquatic impact, etc. ), considering water and sediment release impact on the downstream aquatic environment during flood event and reservoir emptying maneuvers. Mathematical simulations and field data-based indexes assessment have been carried out for the pilot study, to show use and evaluate functionality of tools developed. This work has been financed by the Ministry of Economic Development with the Research Fund for the Italian Electrical System under the Contract Agreement established with the Ministry Decree of March 23, 2006.
Year: 2007