MEGADAMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY - …ijolite.geology.uiuc.edu/04SprgClass/geo397/NAS051104.… · Web viewMEGADAMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY. A REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL ACADEMY FOR SUSTAINABILITY

NAS Report 5/10/23 page -#-

MEGADAMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY

A REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL ACADEMY FOR SUSTAINABILITY


Chapter 1: Why is this study necessary?

Megadams have been a part of western culture during the 20th century. Dams such as the Asswan High Dams, Grand Coulee, Hoover Dam, and Glen Canyon Dam were built to provide electrical power to vast areas, to distribute water to thirsty areas, and provide downstream flood control, and to provide recreational opportunities.

However, in the latter part of the 20th century, there has been increasing awareness of problems associated with megadams. River and riparian ecology is seriously disrupted, as is sediment transport. Increasingly large numbers of people are displaced, and artifacts of ancient cultures are drowned.

A major new dam at Three Gorges in China is near completion, and the reservoir is filling. Proposed new dams on the Mekong River in China could affect Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The Mekong River Commission which includes these four countries, but not China, has historically addressed issues within these countries. Thirteen dams have recently been approved on the Nu River in China. These dams will dramatically impact the four countries downstream.

Since new megadams are still being proposed both in the U.S. and worldwide , the NAS (our new National Academy of Sustainability, Geo 397) has recommended that internal funds be used to study this issue and make recommendations about whether or not new dams should be commissioned, and whether or not existing megadams should be altered or removed.

The members of this commission were chosen to represent a wide diversity of opinions and expertise. Their affiliations are listed in the bio-personality section.

Chapter 2: History of Megadams, with Emphasis on Glen Canyon Dam and Three Gorges Dam


History of Bureau of Reclamation

Established in 1902, the Bureau of Reclamation is best known for the dams, powerplants, and canals it constructed in the 17 western states. These water projects led to homesteading and promoted the economic development of the West. Reclamation has constructed more than 600 dams and reservoirs including Hoover Dam on the Colorado River and Grand Coulee on the Columbia River.

Today, the Bureau of Reclamation is the largest wholesaler of water in the country. They bring water to more than 31 million people, and provide one out of five Western farmers (140,000) with irrigation water for 10 million acres of farmland that produce 60% of the nation's vegetables and 25% of its fruits and nuts.

Reclamation is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States. The 58 powerplants, owned by the Bureau of Reclamation, annually provide more than 40 billion kilowatt hours generating nearly a billion dollars in power revenues and produce enough electricity to serve 6 million homes.

Today, Reclamation is a contemporary water management agency with a Strategic Plan outlining numerous programs, initiatives and activities that will help the Western States, Native American Tribes and others meet new water needs and balance the multitude of competing uses of water in the West. The Bureau’s mission is to assist in meeting the increasing water demands of the West while protecting the environment and the public's investment in these structures. Great emphasis is placed on fulfilling the water delivery obligations, water conservation, water recycling and reuse, and developing partnerships with their customers, states, and Indian Tribes, and in finding ways to bring together the variety of interests to address the competing needs for the limited water resources.

Data obtained from


http://www.usbr.gov/main/about/who.html

History of the National Park Service

" Parks for Science: The long-term preservation of park natural resources makes parks reservoirs of information of great value to humanity. Thus, in addition to the use of science as a means to improve park management, parks can and should be centers for broad scientific research and inquiry. Research should be facilitated in parks where it can be done without impairing other park values. Grants, logistical support, cooperative studies, and other means of facilitating this wider role should be instituted within, or near, a network of parks broadly representative of regional systems. These programs should be developed and operated in collaboration with universities and other science organizations."

Although most people just thinkg of „national parks‰ when the National Park Service is mentioned, but there is actually more involved! The NPS works with communities to preserve and care for neighborhood treasures. The NPS works with teachers to prepare lessons that are improtant to students in the classroom.

(www.nps.gov)

(a) History of electrical power needs (Alex, Mike)

Glen Canyon Dam was one of the tasks authorized by Congress as the, Colorado River Storage Project. Glen Canyon Dam was built from 1957 to 1964 and was originally planned to produce 1,000,000 kilowatts. Over the next few decades two additional


generators were added to the dam, allowing the dam to produce 1,356,000 kilowatts. In 1991 Interim Operating Criteria were adopted to protect downstream resources, which limited the dam releases to 20,000 cfs and the power output to 767,000 kilowatts. The dam currently runs on a $21 billion dollar annual budget and generates power for 1.5 million users in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Authorized by Congress as Colorado River Storage Project. 1957-1964. 1,000, 000 kw.

1981 operating criteria<20,000 cfs

767 -1.,356 million kw. At low value now because of interim operating criteria

$21,000,000 annual operating budget

Power used in Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, NM, AZ

1,500,500 users

(b) History of water needs (Matt, Brent, Ashley) , Mexico

Matt Borkowski

In addition to power generation, the Glen Canyon Dam supplies water to several states in the Lower Colorado River Basin. These states, including California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico receive 8.23 million acre feet of water each year from the Glen Canyon Dam.

Overall, about 85% of the water goes to irrigation. With the input of irrigation, the arid regions of these states have become fertile agricultural lands. Many customers in the United States are provided with fruits and vegetables year round. Conversely, these states owe their economic viability largely to these agricultural operations.

California’s farmers produced more than $27.5 billion in farm value in 2002. California has lead the nation in agricultural production for more than 50 years. California agriculture is a diverse blend of valleys, foothills, coastal areas and deserts where a bounty of high-quality agricultural products are grown.


Farmers use the most advanced irrigation technology to maximize water efficiency. They have invested billions in water-conserving irrigation products such as microsprinklers, drip irrigation and wheel-move systems. Many farmers reuse irrigation water by employing irrigation return systems to capture water after it has run through fields and pump it to the head of the field to use it again.

Water is an essential for food production and farmers make the most of precious water supplies. The state Department of Water Resources says managed wetlands, wild-and-scenic rivers and other environmental uses account for 46 percent of California's applied water use. Agriculture accounts for 43 percent and urban uses for 11 percent.

Lake Powell stretches from the Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona up the Colorado River through Utah, past the San Juan confluence to Hite for a total of 186 miles. Including the numerous flooded canyons, Lake Powell has more than 2,000 miles of shoreline, more than the entire west coast of the United States.

According to the National Park Service at Glen Canyon National Recreation area, storage of water at Lake Powell began March 13, 1963 and reached full pool (3,700 feet) the first time on June 22, 1980. Lake Powell's volume is 27,000,000 acre feet with a surface area of 266 square miles. The lake is approximately 186 miles in length and there is approximately 1,960 miles of shoreline with 96 major side canyons. Average annual evaporation is 2.5% of the volume. The water depth at the dam is 560 feet.

The annual legal minimum outflow at Glen Canyon Dam is 8,230,000 acre feet with the daily at 5,000 to 20,000 cubic feet per second (cannot exceed 8,000 cfs variation in a 24 hour period). The maximum flow at flood time is 322,000 cubic feet per second (31,000 cfs through turbines, 15,000 cfs through jet tubes and 276,000 cfs through spillways). The average siltation is 37,000 acre feet per year.

The following figures are from http://www.gcmrc.gov/Bio/water/


QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.








(Add history of allocations to the 7 western states)


8.3 million acre feet annually 85% to irrigation in US

(c) History of environmental concerns and endangered species (Kailesh, Jim)

Matt Borkowski

In addition to power generation, the Glen Canyon Dam supplies water to several states in the Lower Colorado River Basin. These states, including California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico receive 8.23 million acre feet of water each year from the Glen Canyon Dam.

Overall, about 85% of the water goes to irrigation. With the input of irrigation, the arid regions of these states have become fertile agricultural lands. Many customers in the United States are provided with fruits and vegetables year round. Conversely, these states owe their economic viability largely to these agricultural operations.

California’s farmers produced more than $27.5 billion in farm value in 2002. California has lead the nation in agricultural production for more than 50 years. California agriculture is a diverse blend of valleys, foothills, coastal areas and deserts where a bounty of high-quality agricultural products are grown.

Farmers use the most advanced irrigation technology to maximize water efficiency. They have invested billions in water-conserving irrigation products such as microsprinklers, drip irrigation and wheel-move systems. Many farmers reuse irrigation water by employing irrigation return systems to capture water after it has run through fields and pump it to the head of the field to use it again.

Water is an essential for food production and farmers make the most of precious water supplies. The state Department of Water Resources says managed wetlands, wild-and-scenic rivers and other environmental uses account for 46 percent of California's applied water use. Agriculture accounts for 43 percent and urban uses for 11 percent.

Lake Powell stretches from the Glen Canyon Dam in Arizona up the Colorado River through Utah, past the San Juan confluence to Hite for a total of 186 miles. Including the numerous flooded canyons, Lake Powell has more than 2,000 miles of shoreline, more than the entire west coast of the United States.

According to the National Park Service at Glen Canyon National Recreation area, storage of water at Lake Powell began March 13, 1963 and reached full pool (3,700 feet) the first time on June 22, 1980. Lake Powell's volume is 27,000,000 acre feet with a surface area of 266 square miles. The lake is approximately 186 miles in length and there is


approximately 1,960 miles of shoreline with 96 major side canyons. Average annual evaporation is 2.5% of the volume. The water depth at the dam is 560 feet.

The annual legal minimum outflow at Glen Canyon Dam is 8,230,000 acre feet with the daily at 5,000 to 20,000 cubic feet per second (cannot exceed 8,000 cfs variation in a 24 hour period). The maximum flow at flood time is 322,000 cubic feet per second (31,000 cfs through turbines, 15,000 cfs through jet tubes and 276,000 cfs through spillways). The average siltation is 37,000 acre feet per year.

(History of environmental protests—Kailesh)

***On March 14th 2000, The International Day of Action against Dams and for Rivers, Water and Life took place across the world. In several countries, such as the US, Japan, Australia, and France, protests were held for the removal of dams.

Glen Canyon is one of the finest examples of a high-arch concrete dam in the world that was built over considerable public protest due to a number of concerns. These included changes in the Colorado River’s natural flows, its seasonal variations in water temperature, sediment and nutrient deposition and fish migration into and out of Grand Canyon. The construction of the dam in 1963 was to have huge implications on the surrounding environment. Even long after the completion of the dam, activists continued to gather to protest over its mismanagement and neglect to the environment. In June 2002, activists from more than 80 environmental groups held a protest over the Glen Canyon Dam, which conservationists say has wrecked the ecosystem of the lower Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Most of the groups involved supported a Sierra Club proposal to drain Lake Powell and decommission the dam.***KAP

Once carried 270,00 tons of sediment annually (check), now under 14,000 tons annually.) Temperatures used to flucuate seasonally between 35-65 F; now is 46 F (check)


List of endangered species (Picture of hump-back chub) Artificial flood

SIERRA CLUB AND DAMS 1.It was created with the mandate to protect the environment that could be endangered by mega projects like dams, rivers, etc. 2.It has opposed the building of the Glen Canyon Dam, and other dams in Colorado. 3.It is trying to restore free flowing in the Colorado River.

(d) Religious and ethnic concerns (Kelly and Joe—This should only be facts; the arguments go into Chapter 4, so I’ve edited it here. You need to put the arguments back into Chapter 4.)

The Havisupai Tribe call the Grand Canyon area home and it is their belief that the

human race came out of the Canyon, so everything is considered sacred. When Glen

Canyon Dam was built hundreds of square miles (?) of their native and scared land was

buried by Lake Powell. CAN YOU ADD MORE OF THE HISTORY AND

TRADITIONS THAT HAVE BEEN VIOLATED HERE?

(e) Mexico

e) MexicoMexico’s involvement with the Colorado River Mexico’s right to Colorado River water was signed into a treaty between the United States and Mexico on February 3, 1944. This treaty guaranteed Mexico 1,500,000 acre-feet of Colorado River Water Annually. The entitlement was subject to increase or decrease under certain circumstances provide for in the treaty. This 1944 treaty did not specify the quality of water to be delivered. Water quality didn’t become an issue until the late 1950’s. Major water quality


decline occurred because of US Agriculture. It’s effects were first noticed in the Mexicali Valley. Major damage was sustained due to high levels of salt and fertilizers present in the river. The first official complaint lodged by Mexico against the US in 1961. In 1974 an amendment to the original treaty was added that guaranteed the same quality of water to Mexico as the US received. Though still discontent with the volume and quality of water, the largest concerns center around the loss of sediment and water quality. Also to be noted is that Mexico currently has no legislative power over megadams effecting its waters.

History of Dams in Mexico 1937 marks the year of the first dam funded by the Mexican Government. This dam was indented to aid in water distribution between wet and dry seasons. Water allowed through dams was used primarily for irrigation though some electricity was generated. Overall trends in dam construction have surfaced. Dams are generally small and used primarily for the storing of water for use during dry seasons. Though some electrical power is generated it is merely a secondary product.

(f) Three Gorges: Summary of all the above

Three Gorges Dam FACTS

Chen, X., Zong,Y., Zhang, E., Xu, J., Li, S. 2001. Human impacts on the Changjiang (Yangtze) River basin, China, with special reference to the impacts on the dry season water discharges into the sea. Geomorphology 41, 111-123.

The 6300 km Changjiang River flows eastward from its origin in the Qinhai-Tibet Plateau to the East China Sea. The total drainage area is 1808.5 x 103 km2. Annual discharge of water is approximately 28,2000 m3/s. The upper basin of the Changjiang River begins at the origin and ends just downstream of the Three Gorges Dam. This area accounts for about half of the drainage basin and discharge. This stretch of the river is 4512 km in length. The


water is supplied from glaciers, snowfall, rainfall, and groundwater sources. The surrounding environment contains high plateau, mountains, deep river valleys and basins. In the past four decades, the amount of precipitation in China has decreased at a rate of about 12.7 mm/decade. Glaciers have also been retreating. These natural changes as well as human alteration of the land such as deforestation and industrialization has lead to decreases in the river discharges. So, during dry seasons the river discharges are becoming lower. Another result of the human impact is that the amount of discharge is greater during floods. The Three Gorges Dam is 185 m high and is able to contain 39.3x109 m3. Water from the month of October will be stored each year since this is the last month of the monsoon season. The majority of the precipitation is received between May and October. Water can be used as long as the level of the water remains at 155 m to operate the power plant. The dam will be able to lessen the affects of flood damage, but risks will remain. Water can also be released during dry season to ease drought conditions, except during the month of October due to power generation.




Chapter 3: Benefits of and Problems with Megadams

Benefits

Matt Borkowski 04-20-04 and Brent Olson 4/22

Benefits of Mega dams

Glen Canyon Dam can generate 1,356,000 killowatts1. In order to do this a coal power

plant would put ~40,000 tons of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide (about 20,000 each)

into the air, and use 3,000,000 tons of coal annually3. A nuclear plant in place of the dam

would produce about 750 pounds of plutonium a year and about 45 metric tons of high-

level radioactive waste a year4. In order to generate this much power with wind power,

48,000 hectares of (windy) land would have to be used to build wind farms5.

Gains from Glen Canyon Dam: 1. Increased aquatic ecosystem productivity in the clearwater segment between the dam and the Paria River. 2. Increased endangered Kanab ambersnail habitat by 20–25%. 3. Provides food and habitat that support one quarter or more of the Southwest's wintering bald eagles. 4. Provides food for the largest breeding population of endangered peregrine falcons in the 48 states. 5. Produced a more predictable river, allowing commercial river running companies to transport more passengers, more safely and through a longer river running season. 6. Lake Powell provides water to irrigate over 3 million acres of farm land in SW. 7. Created cheap, environmentally clean hydroelectric energy production for more than 3 million Southwest residents. 8. Supplies water to an estimated 20 million beneficiaries especially cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, etc. Lake Powell stores over 27 million acre-ft. of water thereby eliminating the need for severe rationing of water during droughts. 9. Glen Canyon Power plant has maximum capacity of 1.3 million kilowatts per year, supplies over 1.5 million residents in SW with


power. 10. Glen Canyon Dam & Navajo Generating Station (coal plant that uses Lake Powell water for cooling and steam generation) create over 20 Gigawatts of power each year for over 5 million residents, which generates $1.1 billion per year in revenue. 11. Power stations employ ~70% Native American workers, these communities already have unemployment rates near 50% and would dramatically increase if Glen Canyon Dam was removed. 12. Hydroelectric dams provide 13% of the total power generation in the United States which prevents over 200 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions. They make 70% of the power generated in Latin America. 13. Over 3 million people visit Glen Canyon area per year, generating an additional $500 million in revenue. 14. River rafting participation has increased from 2,000 people per year to 60,000 people per year since dam was constructed. 15. Prevents salted and waterlogged fields, coastal erosion, ruined fisheries, staggering debt, and escalating repair bills of houses that have been flooded. ).

Water flows through garbage into Goddess Lake in Wanzhou, China. Doug Kanter/KRT

(This is from Lobby Lady, Brent Olson)

The existence of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell supports the local community of Page, Arizona. Without the dam and lake, the community has no reason to exist at its current location. Since


the community has been there for decades, removing the dam would be detrimental to all residents and businesses in the area. How can we take peoples jobs and lives from them and force them to remove to areas they do not want to go. If the dam and lake are removed, the property values will plummet and the economy for Page will disappear forcing the entire community into unemployment. We must fight for the livelihood of all of our citizens and keep the dam and the jobs it creates in place!

Problems with Megadams

2.The lakes behind dams can be a considerable source of methane which is a potential greenhouse gas, especially in tropical countries. 4.Rivers habitats are changed. 5.Migration routes are cut-off. 6.Species become isolated. 7.Dams affect biodiversity especially in the tropics. 8.Globally, between 40-80 million people have been displaced. 9.For the majority of the relocated people quality of live has declined.

1.Water tables affected by reservoirs and river changes. 2.More water is lost by evaporation. 3.Possible enormous floods in case of dam failure 4.Reversal in the influx of water from the reservoir into the groundwater system. 5.Long term changes in the regional hydrological regime. 6.In some places, once the water table rises, soils may become waterlogged, and there is a possibility of salinization through increased evaporation. 7.There are not long-term predictions of the hydrogeologic impact. 8.Leakage from the reservoir at points other than the dam itself. 9.Slope stability of the reservoir banks. 10.Earthquake generation.

(Jim Depa)


The Colorado River once carried 270,000 tons of sediment each year, but now after the construction of Glen Canyon Dam it carries less than 14,000 tons annually. This is causing erosion of beach areas on the back side of the dam and destruction of native fish spawning pools. Also before the dam was completed water temperatures fluctuated seasonally between 35 and 65 degrees. Now the water temperature is 46 degrees year-round which is stressing many of the native fish species. For example, the Colorado Pikeminnow, Bonytail Chub, Southwest River Otter, and California Condor are already extinct in the area and the Humbacked Chub, Razorback Chub, Bald Eagle, Penegrine Falcon, and Belted Kingfisher soon will be if nothing is done about the dam. Finally, an artificial flood was attempted in 1996 to try and restore beach areas on the back side of the dam. In less than a year the ecosystem returned to the same poor conditions.

Jorge

REFLECTIONS ABOUT THE BUILDINGS OF DAMS

Every time a dam is built, the best land of a province is covered with water, cities and towns have to be resettled, many people have to move to a different life and many species have to go somewhere else. Displaced people will loose their ties and culture, they are part of the land and they will not be the same even if become farmers somewhere else. Most of the cities already have too many people and those farmers will become refugees in their own country and the money got from the land will not last long.

Dams are big projects and move a lot of many and involve many contracts, so it becomes of interest to many people. For example many believe that the new dam could benefit the tourism but it could hurt the actual tourism because many of the beautiful scenarios will not be there. There are some calculations about the environmental effect, but the real effect is unknown.Many people provide a living from fishing, and the dam will destroy the commercial fishing and the livelihood of many fishermen.From the geothecnical point of view, the number and magnitude of earthquakes and landslides will increase, which will increase the probability of flooding and disasters. Rivers that have carved their natural curse in thousands and even millions years, now have to readjust to new conditions and the silting and the flooding could be different to expected.

Ashley:

Mexico’s Perspective


The only megadams serving Mexico resides within the boarders of the US. These megadams provide major flood protection for the lower Colorado valley. However, other problems have arisen: erosion rates that are out of balance with sedimentation rates, decreased water quality, loss of seasonal flooding, water allotment seasonally changes drastically and is not provided for in treaties.


Chapter 4: Options

(Here you should advocate for your character, but also need to compromise eventually to make recommendations. Also, discuss

technical process.

1. Remove the dam

REFLECTIONS ABOUT THE BUILDINGS OF DAMS (Jorge)

Every time a dam is built, the best land of a province is covered with water, cities and towns have to be resettled, many people have to move to a different life and many species have to go somewhere else. Displaced people will loose their ties and culture, they are part of the land and they will not be the same even if become farmers somewhere else. Most of the cities already have too many people and those farmers will become refugees in their own country and the money got from the land will not last long.

Dams are big projects and move a lot of many and involve many contracts, so it becomes of interest to many people. For example many believe that the new dam could benefit the tourism but it could hurt the actual tourism because many of the beautiful scenarios will not be there. There are some calculations about the environmental effect, but the real effect is unknown.Many people provide a living from fishing, and the dam will destroy the commercial fishing and the livelihood of many fishermen.From the geothecnical point of view, the number and magnitude of earthquakes and landslides will increase, which will increase the probability of flooding and disasters. Rivers that have carved their natural curse in thousands and even millions years, now have to readjust to new conditions and the silting and the flooding could be different to expected.

We're often asked, "Why do you want to drain Lake Powell?" There are many reasons why we believe a free-flowing Colorado River should be restored through Glen and Grand Canyon. Here are the major reasons:

The dam prevents a sustainable healthy ecosystem downstream - The fragile Grand Canyon ecosystem has evolved over millennia in a dynamic system that consisted of highly fluctuating water temperatures and water levels. The natural dynamics of a free-flowing river have been altered by Glen Canyon Dam. Current management practices have corrupted the biological and ecological integrity of the entire Colorado River system. While diversity may have increased, it is based on exotics and non-sustainable populations, and at the expense of crucial and rare native species.


Lake Powell is bad for fish and wildlife - Glen Canyon Dam is directly responsible for the loss of two native fish species, has critically endangered a third, and impacts the habitat for other native fish in Glen Canyon and Grand Canyon. In addition, the dam is responsible for the threatened or endangered listing of over 60 plant, animal, fish, reptile and amphibian species.

Lake Powell wastes too much water - It is estimated that Powell reservoir loses 882,000 acre feet of water annually due to evaporation and bank seepage. This is approximately 6.3% of the average annual yield of the Colorado River, and enough to supply the city of Los Angeles for an entire year.

The water storage behind Glen Canyon Dam has never once been necessary to meet water delivery requirements. The upper basin is required to deliver 75 million acre-feet of water to the lower basin over a ten year period. Since the completion of the dam, the Colorado River has naturally delivered the required water every single year, without the help of Glen Canyon Dam. In fact, with the dam in place (and the water lost from the reservoir) the chances the water delivery requirement wouldn't be met are 1:1000. Without the dam, the chances the water delivery requirement wouldn't be met fall dramatically to 1:30,000!

Glen Canyon was a magical, wild canyon, unique in all the world - Glen Canyon Dam is responsible for flooding one of the most magnificent canyons in the world, as well as creating serious environmental impacts downstream through the Grand Canyon, all the way to the Gulf of California.

The reservoir is temporary! - Like all dams, Glen Canyon Dam is not a permanent structure. In the long term, Powell reservoir is destined to silt in. Sediment could reach the intake structures of the dam in as little as 100 years, rendering it useless for power generation or flood control. The longer our society waits to restore a free-flowing Colorado River, the greater the cost for future generations.

The electricity the dam generates isn't needed - Glen Canyon Dam contributes only 3% of the power to an electrical grid that receives power from many other sources. Currently, there is a surplus of power on the grid throughout the desert Southwest. The surplus trend is expected to continue as utilities move toward smaller, more localized power generation plants. Glen Canyon Dam was not designed to supply electricity to distant states, such as California, due to the inefficiency of long distance power transfer.

Millions of taxpayer dollars wasted every year - The Bureau of Reclamation spends millions of dollars annually in an attempt to mitigate downstream impacts of the dam. These efforts are a band-aid approach that temporarily maintains the status quo and will never successfully solve the problems associated with the dam.


(1a) By force: First, we have to take the dam down and we have no cost history of dam disassembly. We know that nature took down the Teton Dam, or the San Francisquito Dam, for example, and sent no bill at all (although the consequences were quite costly). I would suggest that we turn it over to the freeway builders. They make a practice of moving, or rather, removing mountains whenever mountains are in the way of automobiles. A concrete mountain should present no insuperable problems. Failing that, try the Army Corps of Engineers, who among their strategies for causing the enemy difficulty would need to know how to produce a great deal of it by destroying a dam. Charge the cost to the Department of Defense Maneuvers Budget.

Ashley:Remove most of the dam with the exception of lower parts that act as a sediment trap and upper parts that act as a bridge. This option would allow the river to flow as close to its natural state as possible given current conditions and also make use of the existing structure as a means of transportation. Removal of the dam all together though initially resulting in economic damages, will allow for a more sustainable agricultural system in the flood plain of the Colorado River in Mexico.

Alex:(1b) Drain the lake but leave the infrastructure. When the commission refers to the removal of the dam, we do not actually mean a complete removal of the entire infrastructure. The team simply means that the dam would no longer be used to form Lake Mead and that the dam would no longer be used to generate power (at least not at the same levels that the dam is currently at). The removal of the dam, therefore, refers to the draining of the lake and perhaps refurbishing the current structure to act as a small dam (not a mega dam). The existing structure could also be used as an extra bridge across the gorge or a museum to teach people about the history and design of mega dams. The commission does not believe that tax payer dollars should be spent in removing the infrastructure; however, a small amount should be spent every year to keep the dam up as a United States landmark.


Ashley:Lower the level of Lake Powell to manage sediment concerns but otherwise decommission the Dam. Then use the dam as a source of education. Turn the dam into a museum educating people about why megadams are used and what sorts of problems they encounter in their life time. Do not focus only on the dam itself, but on the river as a whole (water, river bed, banks, flood plain, drainage basin, and anywhere water and electricity is channeled to) for this is where the effect is truly made apparent.

Sourceswww.usbr.gov/1c/hooverdam/History/riverfaq.htmlwww.american.edu/TEP/colorado.htmwww.dams.org/docs/kbase/contrib/soc202.pdf

(1b) through natural means such as floods, dam failure, etc or through a step by step process of slowly draining the lake then dismanteling the dam.

If removed, here are some alternatives to meet the current needs:

Alternatives to Dam Use www.panda.org

Energy Alternatives: Use a decentralizd off-grid system Use "Run-of-the-river" schemes (generate energy as the water flows) Wind power Gas turbine power plants Biomass energy Solar power Wave power? Hydrogen fuel

Agriculture and Irrigation Alternatives: Controlled abstraction of groundwater and associated recharge Recharge wells and water harvesting


Improved management of surface irrigation Take water directly fromthe river Harvest rainwater Get food from alternate crops or change cropping patterns

Water Supply Alternatives: Prevent water loss through leackages Harvest rainwater Improve storage of groundwater levels Recycle water Desalinization

Flood Management Alternatives: Better catchment management Control runoff Create detention basins Protect wetlands Isolate flood threat with flood embankments, floodproofing and limit floodplain development Increase people's coping capacity

(2) Engineering modifications

(2a) Build a fish ladder on the side so that all fish, even the not sexy ones, can migrate through the river or

(2b) Build a rock slope to lessen the effects of the downstream currentsThis was done in Fargo, N.D. (Lisa) Safer and More Fish Friendly http://www.ci.fargo.nd.us/CitySnapshot/Spring2003/dams.htm

(2c) Build sediment traps at the beginning of the lake, so that sediments would be piped past the dam and able to be used by the river.

(2d) Move outlets from bottom to top of dam

Jim Depa:


To accomodate the needs of the humbacked chub and other endangered fish in the Glen Canyon area a few solutions must be implemented. First, fish ladders need to be encorporated into the dam to help migration. Second, sediment traps need to be implemented so that fish spawning pools downstream can be reclaimed. Lastly,water outlets in the dam should be moved higher so that the water temperature in the river will return to its orginal warmer conditions.

(2e) Remove power plant so that discharges could be managed independently of power needs in California

Matt Borkowski There are a couple of options that can be useful if the dam is left in. The warm water from the top of the dam could be taken out and this water could be sent downstream to be used by communities and for farming. With the sediment buildup at the bottom of the dam, we could use some sort of transport system to pump out sediment and send it downstream. This sediment can be useful in certain areas especially in the farm fields. The nutrients from the new sediment will only aid crop growth. Another option is just to leave the dam in place and let nature take its toll. Like all structures and things in nature, everything dies in due time. Let the dam be and eventually the structure will begin falling apart and water will be released. Repairs should not be made to it unless it looks like there will be a life-threatening flood occurrence.

3. Management modifications

(3a) Release large amounts of water when spring floods happen to take care of sedimentation.

(3b) Manage the dam so that discharges are maximized when tributaries downstream are flooding


Leave as is: (Joe Brewer)

The water use issues pertaining to Glen Canyon Dam must be addressed in the context of human needs, which are the principle concerns of societies. As clearly stated in 1 Genesis, verses 26-30*, humans were made in the likeness of God “to fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” This divine declaration indicates the role humans are meant to have in relation to the world around us, namely that we are the most perfect beings who shall dictate the uses of worldly commons, such as water and wildlife, for our means as we see fit. All lesser creatures shall be subdued by our will, as an enactment of God’s design and plan for bringing order to the world. Claims of damage to the environment are not palpable because the worldly creations are ultimately filled with sin, containing countless examples of violence throughout the animal kingdom. Without establishing control, we fail to fulfill our eminent destiny of bringing the uncivilized world into God’s order. Furthermore, 2 Peter, chapter 3 verses 7-10 tell us that we should not be concerned about the natural world because “the heavens and earth that now exist have been stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” God’s judgment is preordained, foretelling the destruction of the world through the persecution of sinful actions. Thus, any efforts to salvage the Earth will fall to the wayside in futility and the focus should rather be placed on the cleansing of the soul. The Word of God, made flesh in the body of Jesus Christ, describes the honors of constraining nature for our needs in Revelations, chapter 3 verse 21, where it is stated in the words of John that “he who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Without proper management of the world around us to serve the needs of humankind, we will be denied a place in the house of God for all eternity. This management has been ordained by the scriptures to be the glorification of divinity through the establishment of structure and order for human needs. In the words of John, Revelations chapter 22 verse 17,


“let him who is thirsty come, let him who desires take the water of life without price.” Declarations of the needs of non-human species including fish and vegetation are subordinate to those of humanity. Let us take the life water given by Glen Canyon Dam and satisfy the wishes of our most generous and powerful creator, the Holy Father in Christ. For the reasons discussed above, it should be considered in the best interest of the panel to maintain Glen Canyon Dam for the use of the peoples of the Southwestern United States and Mexico.

*All biblical references are taken from the official King James Bible

(This is really from Lobby Lady, Brent Olson)

The existence of Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell supports the local community of Page, Arizona. Without the dam and lake, the community has no reason to exist at its current location. Since the community has been there for decades, removing the dam would be detrimental to all residents and businesses in the area. How can we take peoples jobs and lives from them and force them to remove to areas they do not want to go. If the dam and lake are removed, the property values will plummet and the economy for Page will disappear forcing the entire community into unemployment. We must fight for the livelihood of all of our citizens and keep the dam and the jobs it creates in place!


Chapter 5: Recommendations

Considering the benefits and services that mega-dams provide for the people, the Glen Canyon and other mega-dams should not be taken out of operation. They provide a clean source of energy for the people and other benefits for the economy. Since the Glen Canyon Dam was built in 1963, there have been many advances in technology and now dams are being built keeping environmentalists' concerns in mind and providing solutions to other issues. As with all things, it is necessary to update these older structures to make them more efficient. Improvements on the Glen Canyon Dam can include fish ladders, rock slopes and also some ways of sluicing the water to carry out the clay sediments. This way silt can be drained, downstream currents can be decreased, and fish populations can continue their traditional migratory habits. Improvements on the Glen Canyon Dam and other dams as well, can further allow the people to benefit from their services but also work more efficiently and lessen the negative effects on the environment.

David Dam’s Recommendations

Dams have their share of problems, but what energy source doesn’t. If the human population wants to continue to have their power filled lives, then they need to be willing to make some sacrifices and hydropower is one of the least painful options. Glen Canyon Dam is just one example of a way to cleanly generate 1,356,000 killowatts. In order to do this a coal power plant would put ~40,000 tons of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide (about 20,000 each) into the air, and use 3,000,000 tons of coal annually. A nuclear plant in place of the dam would produce about 750 pounds of plutonium a year and about 45 metric tons of high-level radioactive waste a year. In a world with no perfect answers, today’s generation needs to pick the lesser of the evils. It would be selfish of today’s society to turn down hydropower, which leaves the least amount of clean up work for the future, just because today’s people are displaced and several species are being displaced. How many people will be displaced and


species destroyed if global warming starts the next ice age? How many people will be displaced and species destroyed if Yucca Mountain cracks in the next 50 years? The arguments against hydropower pail in comparison to the “real” problems of the day. To quote Larry Gonick from is book, The Cartoon Guide to the Environment, “Hydroelectric plants produce immense amounts of electricity, using the cleanest, cheapest “fuel” or all: falling water” (pg. 156).

However, there are some ways in which hydropower can become more environmentally friendly. As suggested by this panel, fish ladders, rock slope, and sediment traps can be built. Mega dams can be managed to better simulate a non-impeded river, large reservoir releases can be times with seasonal floods. Also, discharges can be released when the tributaries down stream are flooding, to maximize sedimentation flow down stream of the dam. In some cases it may be feasible to replace a mega dam with multiple small dams to reduce the effects made to the river. As engineers approach the issues that come along with mega dams, perhaps these options will help alleviate some of the environmental problems.

ON THE OTHER HAND

Biographies

Susan Berkeley, B.S. Natural Resource Management, Director of the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell (combined) National Park Emily Jones

My name is Victoria the Park Ranger. I have been a employee of the National Park Service for 10 years now. I grew up on a farm with my parents and 2 older brothers. My father always took my brothers fishing and hunting, but left me at home to clean the house. One day, though, I followed


my brothers and father to the river, and I watched as they fished, laugh, sang good ole' country songs. I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be like that. I started following them every day to the river, taking notes on how to fish. I soon began fishing by myself to pass the time. By then I was a tenneager, and I knew that I wanted to fish for the rest of my life.

I went to college, got a degree in Fish and Wildlife Conservation (I was one of only 4 girls in my major of 140 guys). And now I am here.

I do not fish on a daily basis anymore, per se, but at work, I am surrounded by the wildlife and people who love wildlife. I would not exchange my job for anything.

I live with my partner, and we have 3 adopted children. My partner is a nurse, and does not enjoy wildlife to the extent that I do, but she still respects my love for the outdoors. I have tried to take her fishing, but she is too concerned about getting wet, or the smell of the fish, instead of enjoying the time being spent outdoors.

I hope that my children grow up to have caring hearts. I have tried my best to teach them that we are part of the earth. We must work with the earth, not against it. One day I hope that they take part in preserving what is left on earth.

My partner, my children, my job-being surrounded by the land every day, and getting paid for it...What can I say, I am a very lucky person.


Emily Claire Jones

David R. Browser, President, Sierra Club (Jore MarinoDavid Browser is the President of the Sierra Club America’s boldest environmental group. He was born in California and grew up in the sierras by Yosemite National Park, where he learned first-hand to appreciate the natural world. In the Sierra Nevada he became an avid hiker and backpacker.

He is 70 years old and has two children and several grandchildren; they are all involved in environmental issues. Bower is a politically astute person and gets involved and involves his organization as well in sensitive projects that harm the environment.

He is a very persistent person to the point that when the Glen Canyon was finished everyone though he would give up, but he soon started to work in a plan to remove the dam.

He and The Sierra Club are looking around for projects in which the environment could get endangered or the rights of the future generations would be jeopardize. He is especially aware of the government mega projects like groundwater, rivers and dams, and when he foresees a future damage, he takes the responsible to court.

For that bold attitude Browser has either friends or enemies, his periodicals statements to the media attacking and accusing government, private contractors and so, has exacerbated that polarization, to the point that every one is waiting now days for Browser’s comments.

He is a firm opponent to the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam that he called “America’s most regretted environmental mistake”, once the dam was built he said: “"Glen Canyon died, and I was partly responsible for its needless death”.The Sierra Club has supported the glen Canyon Institute’s efforts. The institute is “dedicated to restoring a free-flowing Colorado River through Glen Canyon and the Grand Canyon.

During the last year Brown has turned from regret to restoration." In his frequent public appearances, Browser began to advocate a three-pronged approach to environmental activism-something he called Global CPR-conservation, preservation, and restoration. And so is with the Dam, in recent years he proposed that the Bureau of Reclamation drain the water from behind the dam.


Show Chin, Ph.D. Geotechnical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Exiled Chinese ecologist (Nicole Bettinardi)

He graduated from the University of Hong Kong in 1975 with BS in civil engineering and geology. He continued his education at the University of Manchester, England, and received a PhD in geotechnical engineering and environmental sciences in 1980. Afterward he returned to China and began working for the government as a lead engineer on various projects. He became a foreign associate of both the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Engineering. When the proposal for building the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River appeared on his desk he rejected it. As orders passed down to him from the Premier Li Pong himself ordering him to go ahead with the project, he publicly denounced it. In 1989, Chin was arrested for protesting in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, and was a political prisoner for several years. In prison he became acquainted with various members of revolutionary activist groups, whose beliefs ranged from extreme pacifism to extreme anarchy. Years later Chin was reluctantly release by the Chinese government after the human rights violations were publicized globally by his associates in the NAS and NAE. He received asylum in the US and has lived in Los Angeles, CA since. He is employed by the state and is a key figure in the effective management of water issue. Chin has never married, although has had a few key love affairs. ***NKB

David Dam, M. Sci., Civil Engineering, Director of the Bureau of Reclamation


Alex Bettinardi

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressorare needed to see this picture.

(SWK did not turn this upside down—this is what happened!)

David Dam graduated from the University of Illinois in 1970 with both his Bachelors and Masters in Civil Engineering. At the University, David specialized in dam construction and management, as well as environmental issues, including the effects of dam placement. David is a family man with three children and he likes to think of hiimself as environmentally conscious. After working on several dam projects David became the director of the Bureau of Reclamation. One of David's key concerns is preventing crises and conflicts in the west, due to water feuds. David understands that hydropower and dams have their downfalls, but his key argument is that there is no better solution providing towns with power. In this sense, hydropower is the best option the people of Earth have at the current time. David's primary concerns are keeping air pollution down, nuclear waste to a minimum, and controlling water resources/flood damage. David's bias is that the ecosystem of the river and the other negative side effects of the dam are much less important than these other issues. Davide has a very technical mind (and is also stubborn), and he is only convinced in an argument with hard numbers and conclusive research.

Gary Geologist, Brigadier General, Representative of the electric power users in Los Angeles and Phoenix


(Mike Schwartz)

Brigadier General Gary Geologist is a geologist/civil engineer born in1940. Getting his degrees in civil engineering and geology, he enlisted in the

marines by the age of 23 and was quickly moving up the ladder. He hasbeen all over the country and the world, eventually gaining the rank ofBrigadier General. He retired 10 years ago and has spent life in Washington D.C.,

making good money giving expert witness testimony. He is a brilliantman and is very outspoken. It is this part of his excellent persuasiveabilities that AZ-CalEdison, the electricity company representing electric power usersin LA and Pheonix, hired him to argue against removing the controversial damin Arizona. He is the type of person who believes he will win thisargument and remains confident that the dam will not be removed.

Lila Descartes, Reverend, Representative of those who believe that humans should dominate the earth and use nature for their own purposes (Joe Brewer)

Lila Descarte is an influential representative of the Christian Orthodox faith. She was home schooled by her mother in upstate


New York before venturing off to Southwest Bible College in Tuscon, Arizona for a seminary degree. Upon acquiring her degree, Lila felt the need to spread the faith by becoming involved in missionary work in Brazil for two years. During this time she observed how the Amazon River was not being used extensively for agricultural purposes while many people were impoverished and malnourished. She returned to the United States and settled in the Lake Powell area, with a strong desire to encourage people to use water resources as effectively as possible for the needs of humanity. She has worked for ten years as the pastor of the Lake Powell Church of Christ and is actively involved in community affairs.

Hank Humpbacked, Prof. of Ecology, Grand Canyon University Jim Depa

Hank Humpbacked has always had a strong interest in the environment. As a student at Arizona State University he obtained his masters degree in environmental science with minors in biology and chemistry. He hopes to educate the student population about the dangers of human impacts on the environment so that environmental awareness will be raised across campus. He is greatly apposed to the Glen Canyon Dam and identifies with the humpbacked chub along with the countless other endangered species in the area.

Lobby Lady, Representative of the residents and communities supported by Glen Canyon Dam (Brent Olson)


Baby Maybe, Professor of the unborn generations (Kailesh Patel)

***Professor Baby Maybe is interested in environmental issues from a political geographic perspective. His work focuses on environmental and human security in regions across the world, specifically within the tropics, helping to clean up areas where deforestation had occurred for several years. Born in 2045, Baby Maybe came from a middle-class background and was raised in the suburbs of New York before his family moved to the west coast when he was thirteen.

Professor Baby Maybe (Aged 79)(Picture taken on May 4th 2124)

A Professor of Environmental Engineering at Southern Calixico University, Baby Maybe graduated with a bachelors’ degree in Environmental Sciences at the University of Arizona in 2067, before obtaining a Masters’ in Earth Sciences at the University of Liverpool in 2070. His P.H.D research, which focused on


population dynamics of the 20th and 21st century, was carried out closer to home in California at UCLA. Baby Maybe lives in San Francisco with his wife Probably, and two children Perhaps and Possibly, for whom he has many concerns regarding their future. ***kap

Li Pong, Premier of China

(Lisa Tranel)

***Li Pong was the Chinese Premier for two terms. He pushed for the construction of the Three Gorges Dam to provide benefits for the people of China. After majoring in hydroelectric engineering, he was an electricity specialist and worked for the Power Industry and government with water resources. He supports the building of the Three Gorges dam because of the benefits it will provide. Li Pong feels that the Three Gorges D am provides a facility to produce enough energy for many people in reaches of the country where energy had not previously been available. The amount of energy provided by that dam is equal to the energy of 18 nuclear plants, 40 millions tons of coal, or three times the amount of power demanded in New Zealand. In addition, this energy can be provided relatively cheaply. Li Pong hopes to promote the use of the Glen Canyon dam. ***lmt

Victoria Fox Quesadia, Diploma Upper Management, President of Mexico (Ashley Ravestein )

Victoria Fox Quesada




Biography

Victoria Fox President of Mexico, better known as Vicki, was born in Mexico City, July 2, 1942. She is the second of nine children born to farmer José Luis Fox, now deceased, and Mercedes Quesada. As a child, together with her family she moved to the San Cristóbal ranch in the municipality of San Francisco del Rincón, in the state of Guanajuato, where she would play with the children of the communal land owners, share with them their childhood and, in her own words, "see close up one of the evils that unnecessarily afflicted our country: poverty". Vicki Fox is friendly, respectful, straightforward, and honest. Life on the farm taught her to value the loyalty of people and appreciate Mexico's enormous potential to become in every way a successful nation. "I know the importance of opportunity –she says firmly–. I grew up on the land with the children of peasants and the only thing that sets me apart from my childhood friends are the opportunities I had and they did not". She studied Business Administration at the Mexico City campus of the Ibero-American University. Looking back, Vicki Fox remembers how her provincial appearance, "like a ranchhand", contrasted with that of her classmates. She went on to study for a Diploma in Upper Management, taught by professors from Harvard University Business School. In 1964 she joined Coca-Cola de México as a route supervisor. From aboard a delivery truck she had the opportunity to see for herself Mexico's most remote corners. Thanks to her efforts, she was promoted to President for Mexico and Latin America, the youngest person in the company to occupy such a position. With her accumulated experience, she decided to return to Guanajuato to participate actively in business, politics, society, and education, to improve life in her state. Whether as a businesswoman or politician, Vicki Fox Quesada has always done everything she can to improve the common good and ensure equal opportunities.A loving mother, she has shared the joy of home and work with her four adopted children: Ana Cristina, Vicente, Paulina and Rodrigo. After serving on many boards addressing grassroots and


international concerns alike Vicki joined the National Action Party (PAN) in the 1980s, encouraged by the late Manuel J. Clouthier. In 1988, she was elected Federal Deputy for the Third District of León, Guanajuato. In 1991 she ran in the election for governor of the state of Guanajuato. In 1995, she stood again, this time in the extraordinary elections for governor, and won by a significant majority. During her administration, Vicki Fox always gave clear account both of the state's finances and her personal assets. She made Guanajuato the fifth largest economy in Mexico and in light of the excellent results of her government, was chosen by the Alliance for Change (PAN-PVEM) as its candidate to the presidency of Mexico in the elections to be held in the year 2000. July 2, 2000, Vicki Fox won the elections and that same day promised to "...put together a plural, honest, and capable government, a government that includes this country's best citizens". Later that year, during her December 1 inaugural address, the President of all Mexicans, Vicki Fox Quesada, undertook to continue to build a generous country: "Today, all of us men and women are responsible for carrying out the mandate of those exemplary elections”, she said unflinching. “A mandate for change, to bring in a democratic exercise of power that is within our grasp, where all of us will live better lives". Today, Mexico is different. And the President of the Republic works tirelessly to fulfill the commitment she mentioned in her inaugural address: "I have and will continue to have an obligation to drive forward the efforts of this great nation. To work passionately for those who made Mexico what it is, for those who built the Mexico we have today, and for those who dreamt of a different, successful, and triumphant Mexico".

Hava Supai, Ph.D., Native Cultures, Spiritual leader of the Havasupi Indians (Kellie Eaker)


I am Hava Supai, a 30-year old woman who was born and raised on the Havasupai reservation in Arizona. I grew up in the village of Supai, and attended the local school. Since classes are only offered up to 8th grade, my family moved to Phoenix in order so that I could continue to receive education. I graduated with honors, and then attended the University of Oklahoma when I majored in Native American cultures. After graduating, I returned to the reservation to improve my tribe’s way of life. I married a childhood friend and hope to begin a family sometime soon.

Jaoquin Valley, Irrigation Farmer (Matt Borkowski)

I am a 43 year old farmer. I have three wonderful children: Mike, who is 5, Jack

who is 8, and Tom who is 13. I grew up on this farm that I now run and operate it. My

grandfather was a farmer here and this is where he raised my brothers and I. I never

thought of going to college because I inherited the farm from my grandfather. I knew

that as soon as my grandfather passed away, I had special obligation to keep him farm

running. I am a very religious person and I thank God for the water he provides me with

to keep my crops up and running. I

send out my fruit to most of

Northern California. I just recently

found out that some of my crops are

being sent east by a new company

that came in. It brings me great

pleasure to know that I can provide

so many people with food.

Documents

MEGADAMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY - …ijolite.geology.uiuc.edu/04SprgClass/geo397/NAS051104.… · Web viewMEGADAMS IN THE 21ST CENTURY. A REPORT FROM THE NATIONAL ACADEMY FOR SUSTAINABILITY