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8/29/11 11:37 AM
Dams are built worldwide to store water for irrigation, flood control, and to generate electricity. The negative
effects of building large hydroelectric dams are commonly known and environmentalists are at loggerheads
with governments. Since electricity is also needed, what is the best solution?
Dams are built all over the world due to the needs of controlling floods, storing water for irrigation during dry
months, for drinking water, navigation, and for the generation of electricity. Earlier dams were being built at
such a speed that every day a dam would be commissioned somewhere in the world. Until now some 800,000
dams have been constructed worldwide. But now the negative effects of large hydroelectric dams have been
studied and much caution is being taken before planning and constructing them.
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Not all dams are constructed for the generation of electricity. Some of them are just for the storage of water for
the dry months. Hydroelectric power plants are of different types, and not all require a reservoir of water to be Concepts of Architecture
built. There are different types of hydroelectric power plants which are as follows: Concrete Technology
Construction
1. Storage type hydroelectric power plants with dams for collecting and storing water. Water can be stored Construction Equipment
for summer months or for dry years, depending on the capacity of the reservoir. Construction Materials
2. Run of the river type of hydroelectric power plants that do not collect water but are built on rivers which Engineering Wonders
have a good flow and natural rivers coming from a height having good potential energy. Environmental Engineering
3. Pumped storage types of hydroelectric power plants where water is pumped up to a reservoir in off peak General
hours and electricity is generated in peak hours to supplement the production. It is like a storage facility Geotechnical Engineering
for the electricity. Hydraulics
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Advantages of Dams
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In spite of all the hue and cry about the negative effects of dams, they have lots of advantages, too. The
advantages of the hydroelectric dam are as follows:
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1. It is a clean, efficient, and reliable form of energy. Geotechnical Surveys
2. It does not emit any direct pollutants or greenhouse gases. Negative Impacts of Hydroelectric Dams
3. Only the initial cost is high; they are very inexpensive to operate.
Geotechnical Topics: Soil Compaction
4. Electricity generated by hydro-electric power plants is the cheapest electricity generated.
5. Dams stop the flooding of the rivers and the harmful effects of it. Reading a Survey Plat
6. Dams store water for irrigation in summer seasons and dry months. Many desert areas can now do Alternatives to Gate Valves in Stormwater and
farming due to the dams and the canals that supply water. Wastewater Drainage Systems
7. Dams supply water for supply to local population for drinking needs.
Geotechnical Topics: Soil Classification
8. Fish farming can be done in dams and produces revenue.
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What are the Negative Effects of Building Large Hydroelectric Dams? 8/29/11 11:37 AM
Dam
Dams will be built in future as the demands for electricity are increasing, however the negative effects of the
dams on the flora, fauna, and the local population can be reduced by the following methods:
If the political will to change and do a good job is there a dam can be constructed by minimizing its effects on
the people and the environment. By proper planning and suitable selection of site for the dam building the
environmental effects can be minimized and still the much needed electricity can be generated.
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What are the Negative Effects of Building Large Hydroelectric Dams? 8/29/11 11:37 AM
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