2D morphodynamic modelling as a predictive tool for gravel replenishment: the Saint-Sauveur Dam case study

International audienc

What Discharge Is Required to Remove Silt and Sand Downstream from a Dam? An Adaptive Approach on the Selves River, France

An increasing number of scientific studies are tackling the management of discharges downstream of dams for environmental objectives. Such management is generally complex, and experiments are required for proper implementation. This article present the main lessons from a silt sand removal experiment on a bypassed reach of a dam on the Selves River (164 km²), France. Three four-hour operational tests at maximum discharge (10, 15, and 20 m3/s) were carried out in September 2016 to determine the discharge required for transporting as much silt and sand as possible without remobilizing coarser sediments. In September 2017, an additional flow release was performed over 34 h at 15 m3/s. Suspended sediment concentration and water level were recorded throughout the releases. Monitoring at the reach scale was supplemented by morphological measurements. The results demonstrate that a discharge of approximately 10 m3/s enables significant transport of suspended sediments (SS), whereas a discharge of 15 m3/s enables significant sand transport. The results provide operational information on silt and sand transport applicable to other small rivers. This study represents an important contribution to the relatively sparse existing body of literature regarding the effects of water releases and sediment state. Our study also demonstrates that it is possible to successfully undertake water releases in small rivers with an adaptive management approach

Les lâchers morphogènes depuis un barrage justification opérationnelle et protocole d'intervention

International audience-Nous proposons une nouvelle approche méthodologique pour évaluer la pertinence et mettre en oeuvre des « lâchers morphogènes » en aval de barrages hydroélectriques. Ces lâchers correspondent à des débits relativement élevés lâchés par les barrages afin de générer des changements dans les caractéristiques physiques des lits fluviaux (par exemple, décolmatage, désensablement, élargissement des bandes actives alluviales, augmentation de la charge sédimentaire grossière, gestion de la végétation riveraine...) et de créer ou d'améliorer les habitats aquatiques et riverains. La méthodologie proposée repose sur une analyse de la littérature scientifique et sur nos propres expériences. Nous introduisons quelques méthodes de dimensionnement de ces lâchers (intensité, durée, forme de l'hydrogramme, variation saisonnière et récurrence), et évaluons les conflits potentiels avec divers enjeux environnementaux, socioéconomiques et opérationnels associés aux barrages. Nous proposons également des solutions alternatives lorsque ces lâchers ne peuvent être mis en oeuvre, du fait notamment de contraintes trop lourdes. La procédure d'évaluation et de mise en oeuvre des lâchers morphogènes se veut rigoureuse, itérative et basée sur plusieurs étapes, dont la plupart doivent être validées par les diverses parties prenantes : un diagnostic préliminaire quantifiable, la définition d'objectifs clairs, la prise en compte des contraintes présentes sur les sites, le dimensionnement du lâcher et sa mise en oeuvre. Une phase d'évaluation est également proposée pour tirer des leçons des expériences et améliorer les actions

From flushing flows to (eco)morphogenic releases: evolving terminology, practice, and integration into river management

International audienc

From flushing flows to (eco)morphogenic releases: evolving terminology, practice, and integration into river management

International audienc

Targeted water releases to flush fine sediment out of a bypassed reach of the Durance River downstream of four dams

The Durance River is a highly regulated, gravel-bed river with a naturally high fine sediment load in southern France. EDF operates eight dams along the regulated main stream channel (218 km from the Serre-Ponçon Dam to the confluence with the Rhône River), that divert water to 16 hydroelectric power plants via a canal. Flow regulation has contributed to fine sediment accumulation (clogging) in the Durance River. In addition to a recent increase in minimum flows has implemented targeted water releases at four out of eight dams to simulate floods and reduce clogging to restore river function for fishes and invertebrates, The timing of these releases is defined for each dam based on the spawning period of target fish species. During the release, TSS, O2, T, H, and conductivity are measured continuously. Before and after each release, clogging (superficial/interstitial) is measured. This monitoring program showed that several of the releases were not effective on surface clogging inducing a loss of water or resulted in effects contrary to those sought, although this was not reflected in the biological results. These results indicate that two parameters must be taken into account to determine a priori the need to carry out releases: the hydrology observed during the year and the initial level of clogging. Artificial flood releases are increasingly being used a management tool to mitigate hydropower impacts on river hydromorphology and ecology. This experimentation shows that it is necessary to carry out these types of operations in an adaptive management context. At this time, the results obtained do not lead to clear conclusions regarding their efficacy, mostly as a result of strong interannual variation in hydroclimatic conditions, which have a strong influence on initial conditions and resulting outcomes. Furthermore, it is important to incorporate this field measurements and not rely solely on turbidity gauging stations to evaluate efficacy

Targeted water releases to flush fine sediment out of a bypassed reach of the Durance River downstream of four dams

The Durance River is a highly regulated, gravel-bed river with a naturally high fine sediment load in southern France. EDF operates eight dams along the regulated main stream channel (218 km from the Serre-Ponçon Dam to the confluence with the Rhône River), that divert water to 16 hydroelectric power plants via a canal. Flow regulation has contributed to fine sediment accumulation (clogging) in the Durance River. In addition to a recent increase in minimum flows has implemented targeted water releases at four out of eight dams to simulate floods and reduce clogging to restore river function for fishes and invertebrates, The timing of these releases is defined for each dam based on the spawning period of target fish species. During the release, TSS, O2, T, H, and conductivity are measured continuously. Before and after each release, clogging (superficial/interstitial) is measured. This monitoring program showed that several of the releases were not effective on surface clogging inducing a loss of water or resulted in effects contrary to those sought, although this was not reflected in the biological results. These results indicate that two parameters must be taken into account to determine a priori the need to carry out releases: the hydrology observed during the year and the initial level of clogging. Artificial flood releases are increasingly being used a management tool to mitigate hydropower impacts on river hydromorphology and ecology. This experimentation shows that it is necessary to carry out these types of operations in an adaptive management context. At this time, the results obtained do not lead to clear conclusions regarding their efficacy, mostly as a result of strong interannual variation in hydroclimatic conditions, which have a strong influence on initial conditions and resulting outcomes. Furthermore, it is important to incorporate this field measurements and not rely solely on turbidity gauging stations to evaluate efficacy

Guide méthodologiquesynthèse du projet DEAR Mieux comprendre les processus de dépôt et d'érosion des sédiments fins sur les bancs de galets

This report presents a synthesis of the ANR DEAR projec

Guide méthodologiquesynthèse du projet DEAR Mieux comprendre les processus de dépôt et d'érosion des sédiments fins sur les bancs de galets

This report presents a synthesis of the ANR DEAR projec