Abstract

Many techniques are available to actively manage reservoir sedimentation, and an

equally important suite of adaptive strategies are available for managing the
impacts of
sedimentation without manipulating the sediment. Successful reservoir management to
combat the effects of sedimentation may employ a combination of active plus
adaptive
strategies. This paper describes both active and adaptive strategies to manage
reservoir
sedimentation, and may be useful as a checklist of options to consider in
addressing a
sedimentation problem. Widespread application of both active and adaptive
strategies
will be required to successfully address the growing sedimentation problem
worldwide.
1 Introduction
Sedimentation reduces reservoir storage and the benefits derived therefrom.
Sustainable
reservoir management seeks to retard sedimentation and reduce its adverse impacts,
and
to ultimately achieve an equilibrium between sediment inflow and outflow that
sustains
storage capacity while maximizing project benefits.
Successful sedimentation management may employ a combination of strategies, which
may change over time as sedimentation becomes more advanced. The classification of
�active� management techniques presented by Morris (2014) has been modified and
expanded in Figure 1 to include �adaptive� strategies which do not manipulate
sediment, yet which are essential management options to address reservoir
sedimentation.
Both active and adaptive options should be considered as integral components of
the management strategy, and a combination of both approaches can represent the
best
overall response.
2 Reduce Sediment Yield
Two types of strategies may be used to reduce sediment yield: control of either
surface
or channel erosion at its source, or trapping eroded sediment upstream of the
reservoir.
Surface erosion. Soil surface erosion is initiated by raindrop impact which
dislodges soil
particles to initiate transport. Control of soil erosion generally focus on
establishing and
sustaining a protective vegetative cover. Leaves and vegetative detritus covering
the soil