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Published in: Environmental Earth Sciences 6/2013

01-11-2013 | Original Article

Sediment changes upstream and downstream of the Altnahinch Dam in the River Bush in Northern Ireland: a preliminary study

Authors: K. O’Flynn, D. H. Phillips, M. Toland

Published in: Environmental Earth Sciences | Issue 6/2013

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Abstract

The River Bush must reach a standard of good ecological potential (GEP) by 2015 due to the requirements of the water framework directive. The role of sediments within a water body is extremely important to all aspects of a river’s regime. The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of Altnahinch Dam on sediment distribution in the River Bush (a heavily modified water body) with comparison made against the Glendun River (an unmodified water body). Samples collected from the rivers were analysed by physical (pebble count, sieve analysis) and statistical methods (ANOVA, GRADISTAT). An increase in fine sediments upstream of the dam provides evidence that the dam is impacting sediment distribution. Downstream effects are not shown to be significant. The output of this study also implies similar impacts at other drinking water storage impoundments. This research recommends that a sediment management plan be put in place for Altnahinch Dam and that further studies be carried-out concentrating on fine sediment distribution upstream of the dam.

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Metadata
Title
Sediment changes upstream and downstream of the Altnahinch Dam in the River Bush in Northern Ireland: a preliminary study
Authors
K. O’Flynn
D. H. Phillips
M. Toland
Publication date
01-11-2013
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Environmental Earth Sciences / Issue 6/2013
Print ISSN: 1866-6280
Electronic ISSN: 1866-6299
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-2315-1

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