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California pushes forward with Sites Reservoir construction
Despite the largest dam removal project in U.S. history underway, the federal government has allocated $216 million for California's first major new reservoir in fifty years.
In short:
- The proposed Sites Reservoir will require two main dams and will inundate 14,000 acres of grassland, primarily sourcing water from the Sacramento River.
- Advocates claim the project will address climate change by storing winter rainwater, but critics argue it endangers vital salmon habitats and serves wealthy agribusiness interests.
- The project, fast-tracked by the governor, is structured like real estate, allowing stakeholders to buy water shares.
Key quote:
"These winter flows are the only thing that’s keeping these really at-risk species alive and these ecosystems functioning."
— Ann Willis, California director of American Rivers
Why this matters:
The reservoir project highlights ongoing conflicts between water management and environmental conservation. It raises concerns about prioritizing economic interests over ecological health and equitable water distribution.
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Credit: Antonio López/Pixabay
Albuquerque's dam failure highlights water supply challenges
Albuquerque faces a water crisis as its key dam fails, impacting local farmers and city residents.
In short:
- The El Vado dam, vital for Albuquerque’s water supply, has been out of commission for three years due to structural issues.
- Without the dam, farmers and the city rely on finite groundwater, threatening sustainable water management.
- Repair efforts are stalled, and alternative water storage solutions are slow to develop.
Key quote:
“We need some sort of storage. If we don’t get a big monsoon this summer, if you don’t have a well, you won’t be able to water.”
— Mark Garcia, local farmer
Why this matters:
Aging infrastructure and climate change challenge water sustainability in the West. The dam's collapse could signal deeper issues within the region's water management infrastructure, potentially linked to climate change. With increasing temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns, the strain on existing water systems is becoming more evident.
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Vermont strengthens dam safety to prevent future flooding disasters
Vermont is overhauling dam safety regulations after last year's catastrophic flooding damaged numerous dams and endangered communities.
In short:
- Inspectors found that five dams failed, 50 were significantly damaged, and 57 were overtopped during last year's floods.
- The state is implementing stricter regulations and renovation projects to mitigate future flood risks and ensure dam safety.
- Vermont's new legislation, Act 121, increases funding and staffing for dam safety, bringing oversight of all state dams under one agency by 2028.
Key quote:
“It’s a big deal. The dam safety program is evolving significantly, in a good direction.”
— Neil Kamman, director of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Water Investment Division.
Why this matters:
The new regulations aim to enhance the structural integrity of dams across Vermont, ensuring they can withstand increasingly extreme weather patterns linked to climate change. This move is not just about preventing future disasters but also about protecting the environment and public health.
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China's renewable energy plans pose threats to the Mekong and Salween rivers
China's decarbonization strategy could harm farmland and transboundary rivers like the Mekong and Salween, a study warns.
In short:
- China's energy decarbonization plan aims for 2060 but could negatively impact crucial river systems and farmland.
- Hydropower expansion in the Mekong and Salween basins could exacerbate existing environmental problems, including river fragmentation and altered flood cycles.
- Alternative solutions, like reducing electricity demand and investing in emerging technologies, are essential to mitigate these impacts.
Key quote:
“If we think of any major technological change, they always have costs and unintended consequences. The sooner we realize and address them, the more sustainable and equitable the energy transition will be.”
— Stefano Galelli, associate professor, Cornell University
Why this matters:
While hydropower is often championed as a clean energy source, its implementation in these vital regions could significantly worsen existing environmental problems. The construction of dams and reservoirs along these rivers threatens to fragment river ecosystems, disrupting the natural flow and connectivity essential for maintaining biodiversity.
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Damaging discovery at Lake Powell's dam may affect Western water distribution
As water levels at Lake Powell plummet to alarming lows, the Glen Canyon Dam faces significant infrastructure challenges, prompting urgent calls from conservation groups for innovative water management strategies.
In short:
- Damage to the "river outlet works" at Glen Canyon Dam, which are crucial for water flow when levels are low, was recently uncovered.
- This discovery could hinder the regular use of these outlet tubes, potentially affecting water delivery to the Colorado River.
- Concerns are growing over the potential for invasive fish species to threaten native fish populations due to the compromised water flow.
Key quote:
"I think it's really important for people to recognize how much of a threat this is to our water delivery system."
— Eric Balken, executive director of the Glen Canyon Institute
Why this matters:
Lake Powell serves as a vital source of electricity through the Glen Canyon Dam, providing power to millions of homes and businesses. However, dwindling water levels are diminishing the dam's capacity to generate electricity, potentially leading to energy shortages and increased reliance on alternative, often less sustainable, sources.
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Europe moves to free its rivers by tearing down old dams
European countries are increasingly dismantling outdated dams to restore river ecosystems, highlighting the benefits for local biodiversity and communities.
In short:
- The dismantling of Finland's Kangaskoski dam and others has led to the return of salmon and other species, marking a significant ecological recovery.
- The decision to remove these dams came after recognizing their unprofitability and environmental impact, with the movement gaining momentum across Europe.
- Efforts in river restoration, including dam removal, have shown immediate benefits for wildlife and have revitalized local communities by improving water quality and tourism.
Key quote:
"When I saw how the site looked after the dam removal, I actually had tears in my eyes."
— Pauliina Louhi, ecologist at Natural Resources Institute Finland
Why this matters:
Restoring river flow improves biodiversity, which in turn benefits communities relying on these natural resources. Removing dams can help to revive fish populations, particularly migratory species like salmon and trout, which rely on unobstructed rivers to complete their life cycles. Dams hinder these vital migrations, leading to declines in fish stocks and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
A 2019 study found that a little more than one-third of the longest rivers on the planet remain unobstructed by human-made changes such as dams.
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Image by Margit Wallner from Pixabay
Michigan steps up dam removal in race against climate change
As climate change threatens to warm Michigan rivers, dam removal can drive temperatures down by several degrees overnight. An influx of state and federal money has boosted removal efforts, but advocates say more is needed.
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