Dams and reservoirs can have both positive and negative economic, environmental and social impacts.
The construction of a dam can result in the generation of hydroelectric power. This can help meet electrical demands in the jurisdiction where the dam is built, can provide a source of income for the jurisdiction if the power is sold elsewhere, and can replace power that is generated by fossil fuels. In addition, reservoirs can provide a secure and stable supply of water in an area where water supply is an issue (or provide flood protection if there is too much water) and can offer recreational opportunities.
The construction of a dam usually has a significant impact on the land where the dam is to be built. In order to construct a dam, land must be flooded. If the dam is quite large, the flooded area can be significant. For example, BC Hydro’s Site C dam on the Peace River will create an 83 kilometre long reservoir that would be approximately two to three times the width of the current Peace River [1]. The space that is required for a reservoir and dam may require the relocation of people, and the flooding of the area required for construction can displace various wildlife habitats and result in the loss of culturally significant sites or artifacts.
Once a reservoir has been constructed, water quality can also be a concern. Eutrophication can be a major issue for reservoirs, just as it is for lakes.
[1] BC Hydro. (2014). Site C Reservoir Information Sheet. Retrieved from: https://www.sitecproject.com/sites/default/files/info-sheet-site-c-reservoir-june-2014_2.pdf
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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.