Sedimentation |
Global efforts to address sedimentation
IWP&DC takes a look at recent research which focuses on how sedimentation issues are being addressed around the world
Above: The San Rafael Waterfall in Ecuador prior to its collapse
ecuador’s largest hydropower facility is under threat after a natural disaster has led to catastrophic river erosion. US scientists are now helping to advise the Ecuadorian government on the best way to handle the resulting sediment deposition in order to maintain the sustainability of the project. The US Geological Survey (USGS), the US Army Corps of Engineers and other federal agencies are working with the Electric Corporation of Ecuador (CELEC) on strategies for managing sediment and erosion in the Río Coca river basin, following the collapse of the 144m tall San Rafael waterfall in 2020. Catastrophic erosion of the river valley has been taking place upstream of the waterfall collapse, causing landslides and infrastructure damage. As the erosion has rapidly migrated upstream, over US$3 billion of Ecuadorian infrastructure, including the Coca Codo Sinclair (CCS) hydropower facility, is under threat.
30 | July 2024 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
During a visit in January 2024, USGS scientists observed substantial river channel shifts and upstream migration of the erosion, which was about 7km downstream of the intake to the CCS hydropower facility. The scientists also visited and assessed the extent of sediment migration to the lower reaches of the river, downstream of the waterfall collapse. In addition to effects of the 2020 incident, the same hydropower facilities are threatened by reservoir sediment accumulation upstream of the CCS intake. CELEC leadership expressed support for continued US assistance and for a USGS proposal to implement a watershed monitoring plan for sediment and streamflow. Such data will be vital for sustainability assessments of infrastructure and implementation of sediment and erosion management strategies.
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