Pumped hydro storage (PHS) has the potential to significantly impact local wildlife and ecosystems in both positive and negative ways, primarily through changes to water bodies, habitats, and local biodiversity.
Negative Impacts on Wildlife and Habitats
- Habitat Disruption: The construction of reservoirs for pumped hydro storage can result in the inundation of land, which can destroy existing habitats for local species. This not only impacts flora but can also change the local fauna, altering species populations and distributions.
- Altered Migration Patterns: Dams associated with pumped hydro systems can obstruct fish migration routes, particularly affecting species that rely on upstream spawning grounds, such as salmon. This can lead to declines in fish populations due to disrupted life cycles, which cascade into broader ecological impacts on the food web.
- Water Quality and Flow Changes: The creation of reservoirs can alter water temperature, chemistry, and flow characteristics. Such changes negatively affect aquatic ecosystems, leading to potential declines in biodiversity. For instance, stagnant water can promote the growth of harmful algal blooms, which can further degrade water quality and affect fish health.
- Biodiversity Loss: The introduction of large water bodies may also inadvertently attract more birds and other wildlife, which could lead to increased predation on local species. This dynamic is particularly concerning in regions where bird strikes with wind turbines and other infrastructure may increase as a result of altered habitats.
Specific Examples of Impact
- The Goldendale Pumped Storage Project: An example of these dynamics is the proposed Goldendale project in Washington, which has raised concerns about its potential impacts on local wildlife, including bird species like Bald and Golden Eagles. The project could enhance wind currents around wind energy infrastructure, increasing mortality risks for these birds.
- Methane Emissions: Reservoirs can also become sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. As organic material decomposes underwater, it can generate methane emissions, contributing to climate change which may further affect local wildlife.
Mitigation Strategies
To reduce these negative impacts, several strategies can be implemented:
- Fish Ladders and Migration Aids: Creating structures like fish ladders can help maintain migratory routes for aquatic species, which is critical for species such as salmon and shad that require upstream access for spawning.
- Closed-Loop Systems: Closed-loop pumped storage systems, which do not connect to natural waterways, tend to have fewer negative impacts on local ecosystems compared to open-loop systems. This design can help mitigate the effects on fish and other aquatic life.
- Environmental Assessments: Conducting thorough environmental impact assessments prior to construction helps identify optimal locations and designs that minimize ecological disruption, thereby balancing energy needs with wildlife conservation.
In summary, while pumped hydro storage offers a renewable energy solution with significant benefits, careful planning and mitigation are essential to minimize its potential adverse effects on local wildlife and habitats.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-pumped-hydro-storage-impact-local-wildlife/
