Flow and pH Modelling to Study the Effects of Liming in Regulated, Acid Salmon Rivers

In the regulated river Ekso, Western Norway, liming of the headwater has been introduced as a mitigating action to improve the water quality for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Supply of lime from a dosing plant situated 5 km above the salmon producing part of the river, aims to raise pH from 5,0 to 6,5 during the smolt period for Atlantic salmon, and to 6,2 for the rest of the year. Hydrological modelling based on the relationship between CaCO₃ and pH is applied for the evaluation of the liming strategy, based on monitoring data from the spring 2000. The water quality demand was satisfied 80% of the time in the upper part of the salmon area, and 40% of the time in the lower part, influenced by power plant discharge. Flood forecasting and overdosing of lime ahead of floods will reduce the effects of acidified and unlimed tributaries. An additional lime doser is recommended to supply the power plant discharge.