L J Dunne, R Morrin, 2016. "Discontinuance of Small Reservoirs in Scotland", Dams – Benefits and Disbenefits; Assets or Liabilities?: Proceedings of the 19th Biennial Conference of the British Dam Society held at Lancaster University from 7–10 September 2016, Andrew Pepper
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SYNOPSIS
Much attention has been given to the discontinuance of small reservoirs in Scotland recently, for two main reasons:
The phased implementation of the Reservoirs (Scotland) Act 2011 (TSO, 2011a)
The practical need for Reservoir Managers (referred to as “Undertakers” in the Reservoirs Act 1975 (HMSO, 1975)) to reduce risk, and manage their long term financial and resource commitments associated with operating and maintaining small reservoirs.
This paper examines the processes involved in discontinuing small reservoirs and highlights some of the key challenges encountered on recent discontinuance projects.
Case studies are presented which relate to the discontinuance of five small reservoirs that are no longer used for their original purpose of water supply and, following assessment, each reservoir has been considered to represent a “liability” rather than an “asset”. Discontinuance has been identified as providing the most appropriate long term solution for these reservoirs.
Many small reservoirs provide a degree of flood attenuation which protects downstream communities. Conversely, they can also represent a significant risk to downstream communities in the event of an uncontrolled release of water. Therefore, discontinuance of small reservoirs requires careful planning, consultation and investigation. The process can be lengthy and relatively expensive.
