Environmental Effects of Hydraulic Structures

In response to objectives outlined by the Hydraulic Structures Committee, the Task Committee has attempted to: (1)Define what structure types should be selected for study in view of current research activity and potential effects on the environment; (2)provide a general survey of how hydraulic structures interrelate with their environment; and (3)make recommendations for future task or full committees to examine specific program areas. Tables showing categories of hydraulic structures and categories of environmental effects are presented. The Task Committee preference to use matrices as an assessment method is illustrated with several examples. Finally, an example is developed to examine the effects of impoundment on downstream water quality. Data for the example were obtained by a limited survey of engineers and biologists. Results are presented and discussed.