Environmental impacts of hydropeaking
Abstract
Running waters are very dynamic systems mainly shaped by hydrological processes. Flow fluctuations are intrinsic features and are necessary to maintain the dynamic nature of these systems. Biotas have evolved adaptive mechanisms to coupe with changing habitat conditions resulting from flow variations. According to the intermediate disturbance theory medium level of natural disturbance, e.g. hydrological variability may enhance biological diversity while low and high disturbance may do the opposite. However, the response of fish to natural flow fluctuations is poorly understood. Austrian and especially Alpine rivers are characterised by dynamic hydrographs and have experienced severe flow alterations due to human activities. Many alpine rivers are nowadays affected by hydropeaking due to hydro power production. The response of fish to hydropeaking and the underlying mechanisms of fish population decline are widely unknown. The only available information is based on a few case-studies demonstrating river-specific effects of hydropeaking on fish as a result of modified microhabitat conditions in affected river stretches. This project will supply scientific services as stated below. • Assess environmental impacts of hydropeaking (case studies from Austria) • How, when, where can ”green” hydropeaking be carried out • Mitigation measures (identification and implementation) • Categorize hydropower in peaking alternatives • Analyses of the response of fish to hydropeaking in different bio-geographical regions related to a north-south gradient in Europe
keywords hydropeaking fish rivers
Publikationen
Challenges in Austria related to hydropeaking and integration of wind power with hydropower
Autoren: Melcher, A., R. Schinegger, G. Unfer, O. Moog, M. Jungwirth & S. Schmutz Jahr: 2009
Conference & Workshop proceedings, paper, abstract
Project staff
Stefan Schmutz
Univ.Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.nat.techn. Stefan Schmutz
stefan.schmutz@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-81202
BOKU Project Leader
01.01.2010 - 30.06.2014
Andreas Melcher
Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Andreas Melcher
andreas.melcher@boku.ac.at
Tel: +43 1 47654-93411
Sub Projectleader
01.01.2010 - 30.06.2014