Assessment of the environment effects of constructing the Three Gorge Project on the Yangtze River
The Three Gorge Project is a multipurpose project with the primary function of flood control. Other functions include power and navigation and could include irrigation. A 200 m high concrete gravity dam, currently being considered, would be located in the lower reach of the famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River in Hubei and Sichuan Provinces. The reservoir will store about 70 x 10 to the 9th cu m and extend upstream about 780 km. The proposed powerplant would have an installed capacity of 25,000 MW, consisting of twenty-five 1000-MW units. The Three Gorge Project, when constructed, would be the largest water resource project anywhere on earth. Beneficial effects include elimination of flooding along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, a substantial increase in much needed electric power for south and central China, and creation of a large body of water which could be used for aquaculture. Consideration is also being given to diverting water to the North China Plain, one of the most important agricultural areas of China. Major adverse impacts include relocation of more than 2 million people for the reservoir area; loss of habitat for many kinds of Yangtze River aquatic life, including the unique Chinese sturgeon; and the possibility of reducing nutrient input to the downstream and estuarine fisheries. The possibility of minimizing adverse effects seems high, if the potential environmental impacts are identified and means of mitigation are carried out. 22 references, 1 figure.
- Research Organization:
- Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO
- OSTI ID:
- 5123731
- Journal Information:
- Water Int.; (United States), Vol. 9:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Yangtze engineers aim high
Management of municipal solid waste in the Three Gorges region
Related Subjects
DAMS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
CHINA
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS
ESTUARIES
FISHES
NUTRIENTS
SOCIAL IMPACT
WATER RESOURCES
YANGTZE RIVER
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
ASIA
POWER PLANTS
RESOURCES
RIVERS
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
VERTEBRATES
130600* - Hydro Energy- Environmental Aspects