This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Environmental Assessment of Multiple Small Hydropower Development


Location of the Owens River Basin and Bishop, California.

What are the basin-wide environmental impacts associated with multiple hydropower project developments in an area where water resources are already highly developed and stressed?

An environmental impact statement was prepared to evaluate the impacts of the proposed development of seven hydropower projects in the Owens River Basin, California.

The assessment of cumulative impacts focused on resident trout, riparian vegetation, aesthetics, recreation, and the local economy. The impacts to these resources were quantified to the extent possible, and each project was ranked in terms of severity of impacts.

The study found that development of the seven projects would result in significant cumulative environmental impacts and recommended that, with appropriate mitigation, only four of the projects could be developed with acceptable levels of environmental impacts.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. 1986. Final environmental impact statement, Owens River Basin, seven hydroelectric projects, California. FERC/EIS-0041. Office of Hydropower Licensing, Washington, D.C.


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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.