Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
For many, the Rachel River case study probably generates more questions than
answers, because there are a number of vignettes within the account, many of which
could give rise to separate case studies of their own. However, if we focus on the dam
only and its implications, not only for the human inhabitants but also for the natural
resources involved, environmental scientists would study the construction of such a
human-made structure based on facts, science, and the pros and cons. For example,
let's consider the pros and cons (USGS, 2014a).
Pros to hydroelectric power (as compared to other power-producing methods)
include the following:
•
Fuel is not burned, so there is minimal pollution.
•
Water to run the power plant is provided free by nature.
•
Hydropower plays a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
•
Operations and ma intenance costs are relatively low.
•
The technology is reliable and has been proven over time.
•
It is renewable, because rainfall renews the water in the reservoir, so the
fuel is almost always there.
Cons to hydroelectric power (as compared to other power-producing methods)
include the following:
•
Investment costs are high.
•
Hydropower is dependent on precipitation.
•
In some cases, there is an inundation of a wildlife habitat.
•
In some cases, there is a loss or modification of fish habitat.
•
Dams can cause fish entrainment or passage restriction (stranding).
•
In some cases, there can be changes in reservoir and stream water quality.
•
In some cases, local populations can be displaced.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
When we look at rushing waterfalls and rivers, we may not immediately think of
electricity, but water-powered (hydroelectric) power plants are responsible for light-
ing many of our homes and neighborhoods. Hydropower is the harnessing of water
DID YOU KNOW?
During the 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama touted the prospect
that investing in clean energy could produce 5 million jobs. The idea of creat-
ing jobs helped underpin the $90 billion clean-energy stimulus in 2009 and
later efforts and remains a staple of administration rhetoric. The fact is that
renewable energy has not been the job creator that its boosters envisioned.
Although the amount of wind and solar power generated has more than dou-
bled since President Obama took office, renewable energy jobs have not.
