Sedimentation in Reservoirs

SEDIMENTATION IN RESERVOIRS

The presentation will describe a recent research project for DETR in which Halcrow's subconsultants were Professor David Butcher and Dr. Jill Labadz of Nottingham Trent University.

The consequences of sedimentation include loss of storage capacity and blocking of outlets. There may also be environmental impacts although these are not always negative. Sedimentation also raises some interesting legal questions in relation to the Reservoirs Act, 1975.

The project included development of a classification system for UK reservoirs and a methodology for predicting sedimentation rates. These were described by Professor Butcher at the Bath Conference last year. Specific surveys were also carried out at several reservoirs.