Hydroschemes: Good or bad?

Wind and small scale hydro schemes look set to increase in Scotland as part of the drive to obtain 18 % for Scotland's energy from these sources by 2010. Currently the SCA's environment policy states that it will oppose all new dams, but the access committee has been debating this, and there is a general feeling that this goes too far. However the increasing number of new hydro schemes do have great potential impacts on paddling. The SCA would like to widen the debate on this into the broader paddling community so that it can represent the views of paddlers more effectively let the SCA know what you think on this issue!

The SCA is trying to keep up to date on new proposals, so that they can assess the impact on paddlers and comment on any which may have adverse effects for paddling. - some schemes may have no effect or even a positive effect, but they all need to be considered. There may be some proposals the SCA don't know about yet, so your help is needed to keep a look out for information on new schemes on the rivers you paddle or the area you live in. If you find you about a scheme which isn't listed below, please let the Access Officer know. To make the SCA's voice more authoritative (and to fund this sort of work) it needs as many members as possible - join the SCA and stand up for the river you enjoy.

As paddlers we are all familiar with the large scale 1950s schemes that characterise many of the glens and lochs of Scotland. Many of these provide excellent paddling opportunities. However, few will remember what the glens would have looked like before or know what whitewater sites were drowned as the schemes were constructed.

Future hydro schemes will not be this sort of large dam which gives occasional releases from a reservoir. The new style schemes, known as run of river schemes will become more commonplace and are already set to impact on rivers such as the Fechlin, Falloch, Douglas Water (Inverary), Invervar Burn, Abhainn na Coinninch, Mouse Water, Allt Hallater (Glen Kinglass into Loch Etive), and the Glendoe catchment.

Another scheme proposed in the Sheildaig area near Torridon has recently been rejected by Scottish Ministers. A proposal to modify Stanley Weir as part of a hydro scheme has been rejected by Perth and Kinross Council.

Proposals for hydros on the Keltney Burn, Kenmore and River Leven at Kinlochleven are at the scoping stage.

The run of river schemes are designed to allow a basic amount of water down a river at all times to ensure its ecological health, but abstract the rest for power generation. More than the basic amount is only released when the river is in spate and the surplus flows over the holding weir. These schemes will not store water or operate a system of freshet releases.

Loss of the water resource is a major concern for paddlers and so far the impact of hydro developments on recreational use of water has been little considered in the planning process. The SCA have been seeking identify a mechanism by which canoeing interests are consulted on proposals at and early stage. The Scottish Executive has agreed to add the SCA to its list of consultees on hydro proposals and SCA representatives have met with several energy companies. However, despite this increased consultation, South Lanarkshire Council recently approved a hydro scheme on the Mouse Water without notifying the SCA, so please let the SCA know if you spot details of a new scheme which affect a river near you!

The SCA's remit is to represent the interests of paddlers - other organisations are better placed to make the environmental case and to debate general issues around energy sources, although members may well have views on these issues. The arguments that the SCA can put forward best are those about the importance of canoeing as to the economic and social well-being of Scotland and the effect that cumulative loss of paddling opportunties will have on this. There is a feeling that whether the SCA supports a scheme, ignores it scheme, opposes it or opposes it with qualifications should depend on a number of factors including the relative importance of the river in paddling terms, the need to maintain a diversity of river types, the cumulative effects of loosing a particular type of river and what can be done to mitigate negative effects. Mitigation measures could include improved access to flow information, canoe passes, engineered play waves or better information and access to the older hydro schemes if another paddling venue were to be deprived of water. Looking at each scheme in detail on a case by case basis will involve careful work by the SCA in consultation with paddlers. This process is starting by asking for your views on these issues.

Finally, remember that these schemes are being proposed because of the increasing demand for electricity. We all havea responsibility to help balance the energy books and helping to reduced consumption is the key. You leave the lights on, they dam another river!