Channelization is a method of river engineering that widens or deepens rivers to increase the capacity for flow volume at specific sections of the river. As a result, during flood times watercourses can move more efficiently and facilitate more water, which results in less damage to banks. Furthermore, channelization can provide erosion control and the rehabilitation of watercourses [1]. Despite these benefits, channelization can cause damage further downstream where efforts to widen or deepen the river were not undertaken.
River channelization occurs by dredging the river to facilitate more water. During a flood, this would mitigate damage to river banks and facilitate increased speed of the river flows. While this option could prove useful in specific areas of a river, there are concerns over the downstream and overall watershed impacts this option would have [2]
Channelization has not been used in Alberta. Debris removal and river dredging, however, was performed in High River, Alberta to mitigate the impacts of a future flood. Dredging occurred in six different locations of the Highwood River to remove debris and excess mud and make room for the river to flow [3].
Depending on the length and size of the river, costs of channelization and maintenance vary.
Length of construction times varies depending on the size of the project and type of river channelization. For example, in High River dredging took two months with mechanical help [4].
Channelization results in changes to the flow and direction of a river. While this mitigation option can limit the impacts of future floods, construction is not permanent given the natural and ever-changing flows of the river.
River channelization poses risks to the surrounding environment by impacting habitats, the aquatic ecosystem, and the natural function of floodplains.
River channelization results in the removal of sedimentation at the base of the river further increasing flow rates. Subsequently, habitat diversity is jeopardized due to the new flow of the river and natural pooling is disturbed which negatively impacts aquatic life [5] .
Re-channeling a river requires actions such as river widening, deepening, dredging or re-aligning that impact the natural flow and ecology of a river. Removing or changing sediment deposition at the bottom of a river changes the velocity and flow of the water body. While this measure can alleviate flooding in one section of the river, it also enhances the speed of the river which can cause downstream flooding that can further impact the surrounding watershed [6].
River channelization does not help in a drought.
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Ross has extensive executive experience in Operations, Governance, Information Technology and Strategy at the board and senior management level including Mancal Corporation, Mancal Energy, Highridge Exploration and Atlantis Resources. He has worked in Oil and Gas, Coal, Commercial Real Estate, Portfolio Management, Recreation, Retail and Water and Wastewater Treatment. His experience is also geographically diverse having overseen operations in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Additionally, he has been on the board of companies with operations in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Barbados, Kazakhstan, and Russia. He has served on numerous Public, Private and Not for Profit Boards across a number of industries.
Ross has been active on several industry Boards and committees including the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and The Schulich School of Engineering Industry Advisory Council at the Schulich School of Engineering.
Brian is a seasoned Cleantech entrepreneur with a proven history of successfully bringing complex water technologies to the market. With over 25 years of experience, he has led various organizations to achieve significant milestones in the industry.
Having started as the founding CEO of the Pressure Pipe Inspection Company (PPIC) and later taking the helm at the Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP), Brian’s entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the sector.
He is an active investor in the cleantech sector and has served on many boards including the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
Actively engaged in industry associations like AWWA, WEF, IWA, and ASCE, Brian enjoys collaborating with fellow professionals to promote advancements in the field.
Brian holds an undergraduate degree and a PhD in Physics from Queen’s University, which has provided him with a solid technical foundation. As a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, he brings valuable insights to corporate governance.