Impact of small hydropower plant on the biodiversity of the selected area

Abstract

Renewable energy – wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and biomass – provides substantial benefits for our climate, our health, and our economy. Each source of renewable energy has unique benefits. Generated electricity from renewable energy rather than fossil fuels offers significant public health benefits. Wind, solar, and hydroelectric systems generate electricity with no associated air pollution emissions and water. This statement is true when it comes to new construction. It should also take into account those buildings that are already built (often with many shortcomings). This paper deals with the assessment of the negative impacts of Small Hydropower Plant (SHPP) in eastern Slovakia, in the boundaries of the village Lukov. This is a SHPP built in the end 60’s as one of the first three-once (built in the former Czechoslovakia). The disadvantage of its construction is bypass channel, which causes significant or total reduction of water level on biologically important areas. In terms of biodiversity, it’s a serious concern mainly in the fish reproduction period. Dry river course is insurmountable obstacle for them. This results in their death caused by exhaustion and gradual extinction of natural reproduction in the area of interest. Paper contains a case study with variant solution of current situation.