Analysis of reservoir dredging in Taiwan: A case study of the Feitsui Reservoir

The increase in annual sediment deposits in the Feitsui Reservoir is a serious problem. Reservoir dredging is a complementary to watershed management to extend the reservoir's life and eliminate the need for a new water storage project. A cost-benefit analysis was needed to estimate the benefit-cost ratio of dredging. Data and information from 5 reservoirs in Taiwan that were dredged were used to calculate the input variables for Program Dredge, a computer program to simulate the effects of dredging. The program was run to calculate the benefit-cost ratio for the 5 reservoirs. Values of the input variables from the 5 other watersheds and conservative assumptions were used to calculate the benefit-cost ratio for the Feitsui Reservoir. The benefit-cost ratio for dredging the Feitsui Reservoir was 1.440. The benefit-cost ratio was calculated without indirect costs and externalities. Various approaches to value externalities were presented.