What are the key factors and criteria for choosing a suitable site for a dam or reservoir?

2 Topographic and hydrologic conditions

The topographic and hydrologic conditions of a potential site for a dam or reservoir include the shape, size, and elevation of the valley or basin where the dam or reservoir will be located, as well as the flow, level, and variability of the river or stream that will be impounded. These factors affect the storage capacity, design, and operation of the dam or reservoir, as well as the flood risk and environmental impact. Engineering geologists need to conduct topographic surveys, hydrologic studies, and hydraulic modeling to determine the topographic and hydrologic conditions of the site and optimize the location, height, and type of the dam or reservoir.

3 Geotechnical and geomechanical aspects

The geotechnical and geomechanical aspects of a potential site for a dam or reservoir include the strength, deformation, and failure modes of the materials that will support or resist the dam or reservoir structure, as well as the interaction between the structure and the foundation. These factors affect the stability, performance, and durability of the dam or reservoir, as well as the safety and reliability of the project. Engineering geologists need to conduct geotechnical investigations, laboratory tests, field measurements, and numerical simulations to determine the geotechnical and geomechanical aspects of the site and design the appropriate foundation, reinforcement, and monitoring systems for the dam or reservoir.

4 Environmental and social aspects

The environmental and social aspects of a potential site for a dam or reservoir include the ecological, cultural, and economic values and functions of the area that will be affected by the dam or reservoir project. These factors affect the sustainability, acceptability, and benefits of the dam or reservoir, as well as the mitigation and compensation measures that may be required. Engineering geologists need to conduct environmental and social impact assessments, stakeholder consultations, and cost-benefit analyses to determine the environmental and social aspects of the site and balance the trade-offs between the positive and negative effects of the dam or reservoir.

5 Regulatory and legal aspects

The regulatory and legal aspects of a potential site for a dam or reservoir include the laws, policies, standards, and guidelines that govern the planning, approval, construction, operation, and decommissioning of the dam or reservoir project. These factors affect the feasibility, compliance, and accountability of the dam or reservoir, as well as the rights and responsibilities of the project proponents, authorities, and affected parties. Engineering geologists need to conduct regulatory and legal reviews, risk assessments, and quality assurance to determine the regulatory and legal aspects of the site and ensure that the dam or reservoir project meets the relevant requirements and obligations.

6 Economic and technical aspects

The economic and technical aspects of a potential site for a dam or reservoir include the costs, benefits, risks, and opportunities associated with the dam or reservoir project. These factors affect the viability, efficiency, and competitiveness of the dam or reservoir, as well as the return on investment and value for money. Engineering geologists need to conduct economic and technical evaluations, feasibility studies, and optimization analyses to determine the economic and technical aspects of the site and select the best alternative among the possible options for the dam or reservoir.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?