All articles tagged with #dams
The Army Corps of Engineers temporarily took control of two dams on the Skagit River to reduce flooding, successfully lowering peak water levels by 4-5 feet and preventing more severe floods, demonstrating the role of dam management in flood mitigation while highlighting the environmental trade-offs of dam infrastructure.
Recent research shows that human-made dams have significantly impacted Earth's magnetic pole positions and rotation by redistributing mass on the planet, leading to a shift in the Earth's surface and a drop in sea levels, highlighting the profound influence humans have on planetary processes.
The construction of dams and reservoirs on the Colorado River, including Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan, has historically prevented catastrophic flooding in Austin by controlling floodwaters, especially during recent heavy rains that have replenished water supplies and managed flood risks effectively, although future extreme storms could still pose significant threats.
Human construction of nearly 7,000 dams over the past 200 years has caused the Earth's poles to shift by about three feet due to mass redistribution, affecting the planet's rotation and sea levels, highlighting the need to consider dam water storage in future sea level rise predictions.
New research shows that the construction of thousands of dams worldwide has caused Earth's poles to shift by redistributing mass, with a total movement of about 3.7 feet over nearly two centuries, and also impacts sea levels by trapping water behind dams, which should be considered in sea level rise projections.
President Trump withdrew from a Biden-era agreement aimed at resolving legal disputes with Native American tribes over dams on the Snake River, which are blamed for declining salmon populations. The move reverses efforts to study dam breaching and restore fish populations, leading to criticism from tribes and Democrats, and praise from opponents who favor maintaining the dams for energy and economic reasons.
The Biden administration has committed millions of dollars in new funding to restore the Columbia River Basin, following decades of controversy over the impact of four dams on the region's salmon population. The Nez Perce tribe and other conservation groups have long advocated for the removal of the dams, which they believe are responsible for the decline in salmon numbers. The administration's plan includes replacing the energy provided by the dams with renewable sources and breaching the dams within the next eight years. However, opponents argue that the dams are a valuable source of clean energy and that removing them would have negative economic and environmental consequences. The issue is expected to face further scrutiny and debate in Congress.
The Biden administration has reached a historic deal with four tribes in the Columbia River Basin and the states of Oregon and Washington to restore salmon and other fish runs while considering the eventual breaching of four dams. The agreement includes a 10-year pause in legal battles, promises of federal funds for wild fish restoration and renewable tribal energy production, and a commitment to replace and breach the lower Snake River dams within eight years. Environmental groups hailed the agreement as a major win, while critics representing utilities, farmers, and ports expressed concerns about the exclusion of their interests. The deal also addresses the issue of fish hatcheries, which have failed to support native fish populations despite billions of dollars spent on restoration projects.
Climate change made the catastrophic flood in Libya 50 times more likely, according to scientists. The deluge, caused by Storm Daniel, brought unprecedented rainfall to eastern Libya, overwhelming dams and resulting in thousands of deaths. Warmer Mediterranean waters, fueled by global warming, allowed for stronger storms and intense precipitation. However, the study also highlighted that political turmoil and a lack of preparation exacerbated the disaster. The researchers emphasized the need to prepare for future weather extremes and increase resilience to all types of extreme weather events.
The collapse of two overwhelmed dams during catastrophic floods in Libya has prompted an investigation into whether better maintenance could have prevented the disaster. Decades-old studies revealed cracks and subsidence in the dams, which had received $8 million for maintenance that was halted during the Arab Spring uprising. At least 11,300 people have died and another 10,100 are reported missing in the wake of the destructive floods, with the death toll in the city of Derna potentially reaching 20,000. The head of the United Nation's World Meteorological Organization stated that most casualties could have been avoided with a functioning meteorological service in the country.
Consumers Energy is exploring the possibility of selling 13 hydroelectric facilities in Michigan in order to reduce costs for its customers. The company plans to issue a request for proposal (RFP) and is considering options to safely maintain the dam reservoirs. The dams currently produce less than one percent of the energy used by Consumers Energy's customers and are significantly more expensive than other energy sources. The company has not made a final decision and will continue to engage with communities and provide updates throughout the decision-making process.
Continuous heavy rain in Vermont has led to flash flooding, with two dams expected to breach their spillways. The state is bracing for more rain and the situation is considered dire and potentially catastrophic.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has warned of "severe flooding" downstream of the Ball Mountain Dam and Townshend Dam in southern Vermont as they prepare to release "unprecedented quantities of water" over their spillways. Low-lying areas in several towns, including Jamaica, Townshend, and Brattleboro, are at greatest risk, and increased flooding may limit road access and evacuation efforts.
California's dams, crucial for water storage and distribution, are unprepared for the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events caused by climate change. Experts warn that the state's dams, designed for a climate that no longer exists, are at risk of failure, which could lead to catastrophic flooding. Despite the near-failure of the Oroville Dam in 2017, little progress has been made in preparing for such events. The lack of public attention and comprehensive approach to dam safety, as well as the focus on individual aspects rather than the overall picture, contribute to the problem.
With California experiencing heavy rain and snow, concerns have been raised about potential flooding once the snow melts. However, most areas, including the watersheds for the American and Sacramento rivers, as well as Shasta, Oroville, and Folsom dams, are not expected to have any issues. Some areas in the eastern Sierra, such as the Merced River through Yosemite, the San Joaquin River, the West Walker River in the Coleville area of Mono County, and areas south of Tulare Lake, could see some flooding by mid-to-late June.