![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() A case study is the existing Rock-Creek Cresta Project, located on the North Fork of the Feather River in northern California, which is in the process of relicensing by the Commission. ![]() When considering licensing of a hydroelectric project, FERC must give equal consideration to power and nonpower values such as environmental resources. Regulations applicable to dredged material disposal and wetlands protection are discussed, and a preliminary analysis more ยป of the economic costs associated with dredging and disposal is presented. A general introduction is provided on dredging equipment and disposal practices, with emphasis on those practices that would be applicable to small reservoirs. A discussion of environmental contraints and mitigation, as well as guidelines for the early evaluation of the environmental feasibility of dredging, are included. Factors that could affect the severity (magnitude) of these effects (impacts) are emphasized, with the intent of providing guidance to developers of potential sites. The physical and chemical effects of dredging and disposal, their causes, and the biological effects engendered by these physical and chemical changes are discussed. Dredging and disposal of dredged material at small-scale hydro sites may result in several potential environmental impacts, and their magnitude will depend upon many site-specific factors. Development of this resource by retrofitting these dams for hydroelectric generation may require dredging in order to (1) reclaim reservoir storage capacity lost as a result of sediment accumulation (2) clear intake structures and/or (3) construct/repair powerhouses, tailraces, and headraces. The small hydroelectric potential (less than or equal to 15-MW capacity) at existing dams in the US has been estimated to be approximately 5000 MW. ![]()
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