Research On Environmental Management Pattern Of Small Hydropower Development

This paper studies and summarizes the basic knowledge of environmental management (EM). It starts with some concepts and definitions of environment and environmental issues. Then it introduces the content, purpose, character, types, measures, function, methods, and system of EM, as well as environmental strategies, environmental standards and environmental planning. It also covers all the positive environmental benefits and adverse environmental impacts possibly brought by small hydro projects. In addition, the existing approaches in small hydro development management are summarized, and international experience and measures on environmental management for small hydro development are overviewed. The paper applies the basic EM theory to Zhejiang small hydro development. By identifying the features of EM for small hydro development, it proposes some suggestions on the approaches of EM for small hydro planning, design, construction and operation from the perspectives of government, owner and the public. It identifies the EM research scope, including river basin investigation, basic data accumulation, design of EM information system, optimal design of environment-friendly small hydro, etc. Research shows that appropriate approaches would overcome most environmental issues brought by small hydro plants. Feasible planning, field research, plus effective precaution measures, they would help to prevent environmental issues from being the obstacle of small hydro development. The paper plays a guiding role in implementing sustainable development strategy, giving full play to the environmental benefits of small hydro and reducing its adverse impacts on environment, and thus making a small hydro plant a sound ecological project.