Title
Cumulative Impacts of Small Hydropower Developments: An Overview of the Issues
Publication Date
1985
Publication Title
Proceedings of the Symposium on Small Hydropower and Fisheries
Start Page
343
End Page
345
Editors
Olson FW;White RG;Hamre RH;
Publication Place
Bethesda, MD
Publisher
American Fisheries Society
Abstract
Despite legislative and administrative mandates that cumulative impacts be incorporated as an element of environmental impact assessment (EIA), governmental agencies and consultants have been slow to develop and use the necessary methods. Part of the problem lies in the definition of cumulative impacts, part lies with the methodology difficulties, and part lies in the perceptual horizons of those assessing the impacts. Nonetheless, as land use and energy production expand and intensify, concern with cumulative impacts is increasing. A shift toward cumulative impact assessment of hydroelectric development in the Pacific Northwest Serves as a good example. Especially since passage of the Northwest Power Act of 1980, federal, state, and tribal agencies and advocacy groups all have recognized the need to assess impacts within a regional context.
Notes
ISBN 0-913235-37-7