Removing or repurposing redundant reservoirs
Information for those making decisions on discontinuing, abandoning or repurposing UK reservoirs.
Documents
Summary
This project sets out the steps to consider when evaluating the options to remove or repurpose a reservoir. It covers legislation, planning implications, construction and the long-term management of the asset.
As well as the report, there is a downloadable tool to help you compare options.
The report and tool are intended for reservoir owners, reservoir managers, undertakers and panel engineers.
It is important that owners seek appropriate legal advice to make sure that they understand and can mitigate any legislative impacts of the option they take forward. Devolved administrations are responsible for their respective jurisdictions.
Background
As UK assets age and requirements change, planning and designing reservoir removal or repurposing works is becoming increasingly relevant.
The process of disposing of or repurposing a reservoir can be expensive and difficult, so dam owners may consider different ways to do this. This could include selling the reservoir or modifying it for either hydropower production or to provide flood protection.
All reservoirs are unique and what is the best option for one reservoir may not necessarily be the best option for the next. The chosen solution will depend on site-specific factors, economic viability and the desired temporary or final state of the reservoir.
Method
Led by HR Wallingford, a team of experts reviewed the challenges and lessons learned by similar reservoirs to evaluate the potential options. The evidence gathered will help owners make decisions, not only in terms of costs, but also to consider the impact on wider hydrological, environmental, ecological, geomorphological and societal factors.
The tool allows you to use this information to develop scoring matrices, to then rank options using a comparative method.
Results
This review covers the legal aspects to consider as well as ‘next step’ options, such as retention, sale or abandonment.
It also looks at the:
- stages of the planning process
- stakeholder engagement
- remedial works needed
- long-term management of the site
The evidence and information provided is intended to support decision making across the UK. However, users will need to seek local information and expertise, recognising the requirements of their jurisdiction above all else.
Project Information
Project manager: Dr Chrissy Mitchell
This project was commissioned by the Environment Agency’s FCRM Directorate, as part of the joint Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Research and Development Programme.