Research and analysis

Hydropower: assessment of the impact on weir pool habitats

Evaluation of run-of-river hydropower schemes affecting weir pool habitats found immediately downstream of weirs.

Documents

Assessment of the impact of hydropower on weir pool features: report

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Assessment of the impact of hydropower on weir pool features: appendix

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Assessment of the impact of hydropower on weir pool features: summary

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Details

Run-of-river hydropower schemes are often installed on existing weir structures. The Environment Agency has evaluated how such installations can affect the weir pool habitats found immediately downstream of weirs.

A literature review found no specific studies on weir pools as ecosystems. Consequently, a modelling study to predict how the characteristics of these locations may change was undertaken. A framework was also produced for evaluating the potential value of weir pools to help assess the impact of proposed hydropower developments on weir pool habitats.

Updates to this page

Published 24 July 2015

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