Methodology for determining hydromorphological indicators for rivers with hydropower uses

Abstract

Abstract The ecological condition of rivers is influenced by hydropower uses. The European Union encouraged the hydropower sector with installed capacities less than 10 MW, considering that their impact is small. Small hydropower plants influence the main hydromorphological indicators, namely the hydrological regime, the longitudinal connectivity of the river and the morphological conditions. This article proposes a methodology in which hydromorphological indicators take into account the dynamics of the phenomena and processes involved, due to the variation over time of the causes and effects. The methodology proposes a score based on linear interpolation, completing the threshold values, thus being able to differentiate the negative impact on rivers. The article proposes also a series of measures to reduce the negative impact of small hydropower plants.