Abstract The writer of this paper shows how, according to most scientists, dam removal would be the best option for recovery of native salmon and steal head in the Snake River system. The paper examines the human costs and shows how many people rely on the river in its current state for their livelihood. The paper discusses the issues of the cost and benefits of dam removal that lawmakers must weigh before deciding this complicated issue.
From the Paper "As it is with any issue of importance all sides and perspectives must be explored before any kind of decision can be made. So, the question at hand is should the four dams (Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose and Lower Granite) on the lower Snake River be removed, to aid in the recovery of endangered Idaho salmon and steelhead stocks. At the beginning of this century salmon and steelhead runs in the Columbia and Snake River basins were unequaled. I read accounts, from the 1920's and 30's, of fishermen hauling in half mile long seine nets with draft horses, containing 30,000 tons of salmon at a time, and catching up 94,000 tons of fish a day in the mouth of the Columbia River. Not only where the fish more plenty full they where larger. I saw a picture of an 82-pound Chinook caught in 1921 in Astoria. These massive salmon where known as June hogs and their spawning grounds where found all the way up in British Columbia. These massive specimens ceased to exist after the construction of the Grand Coulee dam in 1941, which closed off over a thousand miles of prime spawning grounds to the north. The loss of these mighty specimens signaled the fate of the rest of the species in the coming decades. The Grand Coulee was just the first in a series of dams, which have destroyed critical habitat and impeded the upward and downstream migration of the once plentiful fish. When Lewis and Clark visited this region in 1802 approximately 16 million salmon and steelhead returned each year to complete their life cycle; today approximately 300,000 fish will return, a small fraction of the once mighty run. Dams are not the only factor leading to the extinction of salmon and steelhead, there are other important factors such as: pollution, stream bank deprivation caused by logging and grazing, non-favorable oceanic conditions, over fishing, and predation. But, for the purpose of this paper I will be discussing the environmental as well as the social effects of removing the dams on the lower Snake. "
Tags: breaching, columbia, dam, environmental, policy, recovery, river, salmon, steelhead, fish
Abstract The paper is a case study/case report on a particular environmental problem or issue in a given country. The paper specifically discusses China. It analyzes the environmental problem and issues surrounding the hydroelectric dam projects and how they harm the environment.
From the Paper "Hydroelectric Dams in Yunnan Province Introduction: China is currently going through a period of rapid economic growth and industrialization. In China's Global Hunt for Energy [1]David Zweig and Bi Jianhai note, A booming domestic economy, rapid urbanization, increased export processing, and the Chinese people's voracious appetite for cars are increasing the country's demand for oil and natural gas, industrial and construction materials, foreign capital and technology. Twenty years ago, China was East Asia's largest oil exporter. Now it is the world's second-largest importer; last year, it alone accounted for 31 percent of global growth in oil demand."
Abstract In this essay, the writer relates that there are few dams in the world that have received the amount of attention that Hoover Dam has received since its construction years ago. The writer points out that, with an annual tourist draw of more than 1 million people, Hoover Dam is counted as one of the most visited tourist attractions in America. Standing at 762 feet the dam towers above the dry arid floor around it and generates power for more than 1 million customers in Arizona, California and Nevada. This paper presents an extensive overview of Hoover Dam. The writer explores the construction, the benefits to society the dam provides and the future plans for the dam. The writer concludes that Hoover Dam continues to be respected as one of the great architectural designs in America's history.
Outline:
Introduction
Differences
History
Touring Options
The Building of the Dam Conclusion
From the Paper "There are two dam tours available, one that lasts 30 minutes and another that lasts for an hour. The half hour tour provides information for a tour of up to 80 people and takes the participants into four different engineering areas. The second tour however, has room for 16 people because it asks them to don hard hats and go deeper into the dam to visit 10 additional sites of interest."
"The longer tour starts with an elevator ride that travels down more than 52 stories in length directly into the canyon wall. Once the elevator stops tourists walkthrough a long tunnel to the power plant where tour members are urged to put earplugs in before entering."
This paper discusses China's Three Gorges Dam Project (TGDP), projected to become the worlds largest dam, nearly four times larger than the Hoover Dam.
Abstract This paper explains that the Three Gorges Dam Project is located at Sandouping, along the Yangtze River in the Three Gorges, which is one of the world's most famous scenic sites and includes the dam, which is composed of the spillway, intake dam and non-overflow dams, two power plants and the navigation facilities, which includes a ship lock and a ship lift. The author points out that there are many issues involved including the sensitivity of the huge numbers involved in the reservoir displacement and the impact of such a large population movement on the economy and society. The paper relates that, despite the monetary risks concerned in investing in the dam, the structure is an economic "showpiece" that invites outsiders to establish speedily vital business networks, which paves the way for future dealings such as with The Caterpillar Company.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Local Land Owners Bottoms Up Approach
The Quality of Resettlement Land
The Particular Problem of Steep, Infertile Slopes
Outward Look
Government Policies: Upward Look
Historical Perspective: A Backwards Look
Expected Returns and Drawbacks
From the Paper "Additionally, the dam's supporters expect the 26 giant generators to account for close to a tenth of China's energy output. The hydropower is stance as a more efficient and cleaner source of energy than the sulfur-laden coal that is at present used in the area. Some engineers estimate that the dam will annually generate an amount of energy equivalent to the burning of forty million tons of coal. Thus, if successful, the dam's energy output will be environmentally beneficial over the current release of destructive sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide gas emissions. This cleaner supply of energy will be accessible within a 1,000 kilometer radius of the dam, as far as Shanghai and Guangzhou."
Abstract This paper discusses how concrete gravity dams are effective in most part due to their extreme size and weight, which counters all external forces, and how, used for many things, dams such as these can generate enormous amounts of hydropower and create massive reservoirs when necessary. Although dams do pose a certain amount of risk on the environment and those living around them, the positive aspects of dams seem to outweigh this risk.This paper explores the design behind concrete gravity dams, including but not limited to hydropower uses, effective external and internal forces, dam site selection, and many other related topics.
From the Paper "Throughout the history of dams, many failures have been attributed to weaknesses in the concrete used in the construction of the dam. Because the concrete is the main component in most large dams, it is important that it meets certain standards. Concrete is susceptible to deterioration, especially if it is constantly freezing and thawing (Jansen 109). It is important, when designing a concrete gravity dam, to recognize that the concrete will become saturated over time. When the Saint Francis Dam collapsed in 1928 less than two years after it had been built, it was found that the engineers had not implemented into the design the idea that the concrete would become saturated and therefore become less effective. For this reason, among others, the resultant vector of the forces acting on the dam was misplaced (outside of the middle third of the foot) and the dam eventually collapsed (Jansen 181). In later investigations, the concrete was also found to have a void ratio of 14%, which would increase the degree of saturation (Jansen 179). "
Abstract This paper explains that when America's leaders began to develop ideas for how best to tap into the natural resources in the vast, sprawling Western lands, they didn?t shrink from thinking splendid thoughts on a grand, colossal scale, which resulted in the building of Hoover Dam. The paper details the history of how the mighty Colorado River, ?America's most dangerous river,? became the conduit for the annual production of 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electrical energy. The author believes that the story of how the Hoover Dam was built is a demonstration of how, today, jobs could be created, positive projects could be constructed, and the future could be made stronger and brighter.
Table of Contents
Thesis
Introduction
Background Colorado River Facts
The Early History of the River
Floods Create Havoc along the Southern Banks of the Colorado
Selecting a Site and Working out Water Rights for the Dam Legal and Political Problems
The Hoover Dam Project Begins in Earnest
Living Conditions for the Workers
Deaths during Construction of Hoover Dam The Specific Strategy to Tame the Colorado River
Specific Numbers and Data
Conclusion
From the Paper "The building of the dam was not only a much-needed flood control and electrical generating endeavor but also a job-producing project in the midst of the Great Depression. There were 5,218 men working on the dam at the peak of construction, men who desperately needed work in very rough economic times. With a monthly payroll of some $750,000, that worked out to around $145 per month per man. The men ate at a mess hall that fed 1,300 workers at a time. It cost each single man $1.60 per day for food, housing, and transportation to and from the dam site. For married men, the cost for a small, unfurnished house ran between $15 and $50 a month."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of the Aswan High Dam in Egypt. The paper explores the history of the construction of the dam. It then examines its uses. Finally the paper looks at the benefits of the dam and its liabilities. The paper concludes that overall the pros outweigh the cons and that the Aswan High Dam is a valuable asset to Egyptian society.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Dam Conclusion
From the Paper "The Aswan High Dam is one of the largest dams in the world and it provides a multitude of benefits to those who live in the surrounding area."
"The electricity it generates is clean, and does not contribute to air or environment pollution. It maintains the river to control flooding which allows the environment to grow and prosper without fear of destruction.
The problems it created while being constructed included the destruction of artifacts that were thousands of years old. In addition it flooded a nation and the entire population had to be moved with their lifestyles and history destroyed. When the pros and cons are weighed against each other the dam provides many benefits to society now and will continue to do so in the future."
Abstract Throughout the 20th century, dam building to improve irrigation and produce hydroelectricity was considered a key component of development. It was undertaken universally from the United States to China and from the Arctic to the Equator. Despite decades of construction, the debate over the environmental impact and net cost-benefit of dams persists. The following discussion will focus on the Narmada Project in India. It is one of the largest hydro developments in the world. The current official plan calls for 30 major dams and 3,135 others on India's fifth largest and only westward flowing river system.
This paper discusses India's Narmada Dam Project including details of the project such as its location, general description and the ecological and human implications of the dam.
Abstract This paper explains that, while the Narmada Dam Project represents modernity and a source of national prestige, it also poses a risk to the environment, economy and way of life for people in the region and has come under fire from environmentalists, politicians, human rights activists and local citizens. The author points out that proponents of the dam project, which has been in existence for over 20 years, claim the cost-benefit of power drawn from the dam system outweighs potential environmental and human rights issues. The paper relates that people have been displaced by this project resulting in a mass exodus within and outside the region of western India especially to Bangladesh, which has placed a burden on this country and international aid resources. This paper includes a map and two pictures of the area.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Project Details and Issues
Implications
Ecological
Human
Conclusion
From the Paper "Barclay's (2005), a large bank in England and financier of the project, is concerned by the controversy embroiled in this this issue and is showing growing concern for their involvement when it was found that, "the dam reservoir will submerge up to 5800 hectares of forest" endangering preserved forests and peoples. The bank is concerned what kind of image this project will reflect toward theirs. There is concern for the instability of the land not only just environmentally but also geophysical. Still while the bank is concerned over the public relations issues of the project as it violates its own "green: policy, it has not pulled its funding but changed its involvement to an advisory basis."
Abstract In the United States, hydroelectric dams once provided as much as one-half of all electrical power needs. This paper discusses how since they require so much land, there is also a natural limit to how many new dams can be built and debates their true efficiency as opposed to use of other forms of renewable energy such as fossil fuels.
Outline:
Background and History
Hydroelectric Dams for Power Production and Flooding Prevention in the United States
Evaluating the Contemporary Efficiency and Economics of Hydroelectric Dams
From the Paper "Before electricity was harnessed for use as a convenient power source, many early post-Industrial Revolution factories and textile mills relied on water, either for mills driven by the natural power of gravity, or steam engines. Modern hydroelectric dams are complex structures capable of controlling immense volumes of water to reduce the likelihood of natural floods, to provide electric power, irrigate land, and allow open reservoirs and aqueducts to store and deliver water supplies to remote areas far from natural fresh water sources."
Abstract The Three Gorges Dam project, if completed, would be the biggest construction in the history of the world. The project will be the largest hydropower station and dam. There is a growing concern both domestically and internationally about the human rights violations associated with the displacement of people. This paper discusses why the construction of the Three Gorges Dam is a mistake and gives possible solutions in its stead.
From the Paper "The Peoples Republic of China has undertaken the greatest project since the building of the Great Wall and the Grand Canal. The Three Gorges Dam project, if completed would be the biggest construction in the history of the world. The project will be the largest hydropower station and dam. The project has been controversial since it was first proposed and construction has been stopped several times. There is a growing concern both domestically and internationally about the human rights violations associated with the displacement of people. An estimated 2 million people will lose their homes, livelihoods and their land. The project will create millions of refugees, flood homes and cultural treasures and endanger human health [Marcia & Joseph 1998].
The massive Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River in China will have a 1.2-mile stretch of concrete and a 370 mile-long reservoir, which would be 525 feet deep. The project will stretch two kilometers across the Yangtze River, stand 185 meters high, and create a 600-kilometer lake behind it. Indeed it will be one of the monstrous erections in the world. This project will cost more than any other single construction project in history with an unofficial estimate as high as USD 75 billion or more. Construction of the dam began in 1994 and is scheduled to take 20 years and yet another $24 billion. Much of what the project opponents both inside China and around the forecasted in 1989 is in full view for the world to see [Marcia & Joseph 1998]."
Abstract The paper explores the history and the controversial environmental issues that halted the Tellico Dam project, which sparked one of the most historically famous environmental battle because of something called the snail darter. The paper discusses the Supreme Court hearing that was held regarding the snail darters found living on the site and stopped the dam from being built The paper also discusses the congressional decision to complete the dam anyway.
Includes text of Court of Appeal.
From the Paper "The controversy occurred at the peak of the nation's dam frenzy. It was a time where many areas of America were constructing dams to improve their water resources and those of the areas near them. Many people now believe that too many dams were built, and it had more to do with keeping up with others than any real need for a dam. "
Abstract This paper presents a brief background to issues surrounding dam construction. The paper examines the failure of the Teton Dam, citing the reasons for the disaster. The paper highlights the events of the fateful day of the failure of the dam. The lessons learned from this tragedy are outlined in the paper.
Outline
Introduction
Physical Aspects
Political, Social and Economic Factors
Responses and Impact
Future Implications
From the Paper "There are countless dams in the United States and throughout the world. They range from massive hydroelectric complexes, to smaller earthen or cement structures largely used for flood control and irrigation purposes. Although most dams are useful, safe structures, the principles of dam construction-especially on medium to large scales-are difficult and precise. When omissions or errors in engineering or implementation of engineering principles are accidentally made, overlooked, or outright ignored serious and sometimes catastrophic failures can result."
Abstract The paper discusses the High Aswan Dam, an engineering marvel that controls the Nile River and keeps broad areas of the Nile Delta from flooding each spring. The paper then explores the costs of this dam in human terms and in maintenance levels. The paper concludes that Egypt has paid a high price for the benefits the dam has provided them.
From the Paper "The High Aswan Dam is actually the second dam at Aswan. The first, constructed in 1899 by the British when Egypt was a British territory, had to be raised twice, in 1907 and 1933. The Nile River is very unpredictable, and it topped the original Aswan Dam several times during its history. The last time it nearly flooded was in 1946, and officials began to talk of raising it again. However, after study, instead of raising the dam a third time, engineers decided to build a much higher dam about four miles upriver from the original dam, and about 400 miles south of Cairo. While they had found an answer to the flooding problems, Egypt could not afford to build the dam all on her own, so Egypt's President Gamal Abdel Nasser sought help from other countries."
Tags: Nile, Delta, maintenance, famine, prosperity, crops
Abstract This paper examines how in 2009, a monumental undertaking that began in China in 1994 is planned for completion and how the Three Gorges Dam project on the Yangtze River is expected to be the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. It looks at the history behind the project and how the balancing act between development and economic issues on one hand, and other concerns such as the environment and antiquities and resettlement on the other, has long been a challenge for China.
From the Paper "In 1979, economic reforms and the desire to expand industry encouraged construction to restart. The number of critics grew. Leaders from Chongqing demanded that the dam height be raised. Some environmentalists were angered that the dam would cause rather than solve more problems and were concerned about the destruction of natural land. Human rights activists refuted the resettlement plan. Archeologists objected that many historical sites would end up under water. Most notably would be sites that are remnants of the homeland of the Ba, an ancient people who settled in the region about 4,000 years ago. Further, a number of engineers began wondering if the dam would solve the necessary problems. "
