Reservoir debris — Safety, economic and environmental considerations

Reservoir debris can affect the safety of dams, the efficiency of power production and the attractiveness of the reservoir for other uses. Increasing awareness of dam safety, the need to maximize power production at existing facilities prior to constructing new ones, and public awareness and attitudes on the use of reservoirs has led to increased debris management programs at B.C. Hydro’s reservoirs. The cost of managing debris can be high especially where the reservoir was not cleared prior to filling or where large volumes of debris are entering from the watershed. Present debris management practices at B.C. Hydro reservoirs are described, as well as an approach to coordinate the concerns of the various interested groups.