Erika. (2023, January 12). HYDROELECTRIC DAMS: 12 THINGS (2023) YOU NEED TO   

KNOW. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from

https://gokcecapital.com/hydroelectric-dams/

Dams work by raising the water level from the body of water that it is in, then have the water shoot down large tunnels called penstocks then through a turbine propeller. It then creates energy that is pushed to a generator that sends it to a transformer to power lines and power stations. Some of these dams can last up to 100 years depending on how they are built. Though they are often very well maintained. Though they have a lot of advantages such as they allow energy to be created that is natural and does not release CO2, they also have downsides such as they stop or block the natural flow of rivers and streams that both cause problems for upstream and downstream, but also make it harder for fish. 

I think that, like many things, this way of gaining electricity is very efficient but also has its downsides to it that can make it a more obsolete choice for people and governments. I do believe that this is one of the better ways to gain energy because of how natural and in a technical aspect “easy” it is to gain, but I think that the harm that is done on the environment in the sense that fish can’t really push through these places doesn’t make it 100 percent efficient. I like the idea of the video that you showed up about the fish shoot that allowed them to hop the river quickly and efficiently, but it also might just end up being easier to keep it away from rivers and streams that have a lot of fish and try to make the primary spots ones that don’t have as big a population of living things if any at all to help combat the negatives.

Bearak, M. (2023, May 2). Is It a Lake, or a Battery? A New Kind of Hydropower Is 

Spreading Fast. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from 

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/05/02/climate/hydroelectric-power-energy.html

The traditional way of hydroelectric is turning into a new system called pump storage. It uses the same gravitational qualities of water just without dams. China has become one of the leaders in overall renewable energy and using this system is one of the big reasons why. China has as well stopped financing coal projects that will then cut off the burning of fossil fuels. Pump storage is the newest and most efficient way to get hydroelectric power. There is another one called run-of-river which as the name shows is mostly used on rivers. The only issue that can arise from using these hydroelectric processes is if there is an environmental disruption. Besides that, they are an efficient way of gaining energy naturally.  

I think that it is recently one of the most efficient ways to naturally gain energy and China is do9ng a great job with who they are approaching it. I also think that if the amount of these that are being built are affecting the atmosphere with fossil fuels, they should cut down on the production and or try to make a more non fossil fuel efficient way for it to work. I also think that using gravity as a part of the process is a very smart and efficient idea. Gravity is one of those things that can be very helpful in situations like there as well as have very very little to no downsides at all. Using gravity as a part of the process helps with having to use energy to get that water where it needs to go.

National Geographic Society. (2023, June 20). Hydroelectric Energy. Retrieved August 15, 2023, from 

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/hydroelectric-energy/

Hydroelectricity is one of the most if not the most used methods of renewable energy in the world. About 71 percent of all of Earth’s renewable energy comes from hydroelectricity. There are multiple different types of energy plants that are able to produce this hydroelectric energy with the most common being something called an impoundment facility. An impoundment facility is a dam that controls the flow of water, the more energy needed the more water is released. There is also a diversion facility which uses canals instead of dams. Hydroelectric energy works by having controllable reservoirs that release water. Just before water spills over the top, it gains potential energy, and that potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

The article talks about the process and use of hydroelectricity and how it is used worldwide in multiple ways to help with the production of natural energy. It is related to environmental science because the process is a renewable energy which is a very large part of environmental science. This article makes me hopeful that at one point in time, the United States and even the rest of the world will be able to rely on renewable energy with things such as hydroelectricity. I think if the idea of hydroelectricity can spread to everywhere around the world that it is possible to do so, and it starts to become a continuously practiced process, it will change the whole world in how we are able to gain and use electricity and not have to burn fossil fuels.

Richards, Tori. (2023, February 14) Creaking California: State’s Failing Water Infrastructure Vulnerable to Katrina-Style Disaster from ‘Inland Tsunami. Retrieved February 15, 2023, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/restoring-america/courage-strength-optimism/creaking-california-states-failing-water-infrastructure-vulnerable-to-katrina-style-disaster-from-inland-tsunami

There is a  potential risk of a disaster in California due to the state’s failing water infrastructure. The state’s water system, which includes dams and canals, is aging and not equipped to handle extreme weather conditions. A potential disaster could devastate California’s agriculture, energy, and overall economy. Suggests that the state needs to invest in upgrading its water infrastructure to prevent a catastrophe similar to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Additionally, it highlights the need for political leaders to prioritize this issue and work towards a solution. 

This article seems to blame politicians, such as Governor Newsom, stating that “he is sabotaging the water infrastructure” for not making any quick responses to these poorly aged dams. Some of these dams are over 100 years old, and the weather has completely changed significantly over the past years. It seems like this whole travesty could have or be avoided if we had been able to reconstruct dams before they’re damaged. It’s going to be a lot more expensive to completely fix dams then just improving little by little each year. 

Masters, Jeff. (2023, January 31) If a Megaflood Strikes California, These Dams Might Be at Risk ” Yale Climate Connections. Retrieved February 12, 2023, https://yaleclimateconnections.org/2023/01/if-a-megaflood-strikes-california-these-dams-might-be-at-risk/

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains 694 of the nation’s dams. Recent research by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Water Resources showed several California dams that could be at risk if a “megaflood” were to occur. There are about fifteen high-hazard dams in unstable and poor conditions. The potential risk stems from an anomaly of heavy rains and flooding, which can significantly increase precipitation over a short period. The researchers note that while some dams have already taken steps to reduce the risk of flooding, others may require additional measures to mitigate the potential danger. 

Many dams in California put a potential danger to citizens because they live in an area with a threatening barrier. Some of these dams do a failsafe as engineers can release water into somewhere, but the consequences are unfortunate. It can lead to the destruction of habitat and menacing runoff. We need to propose a plan to update dams in a way that is prepared for this new climate. As these dams are inspected, the infrastructure isn’t in great shape. It will be complicated and expensive to do so, but the ultimate goal will be rewarding as we won’t see our homes or cities submerged under water.

Sahagun, Louis. (2023, January 24) January Storms Leave L.A. County Flood-Control Dams at Risk of Overflowing. Retrieved February 11, 2023,

https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-01-24/l-a-county-flood-control-dams-at-risk-of-overflowing

Los Angeles County’s flood control system is at risk of overflowing due to the heavy rain that occurred in January. As a result, officials warned residents of LA county to be prepared for potential flooding, landslides, and debris flow. The county’s 14 major dams and reservoirs are being closely monitored, and measures are being taken to lower water levels and increase capacity. The risk of flooding is expected to remain high until at least the end of February, with further storms predicted. The potential for flooding is a reminder of the need to prioritize infrastructure improvements and climate change mitigation efforts. Public works are continuously working on removing debris and mud from the reservoirs. 

Hydropower use today can still be challenging to work with. Contrary to the previous article, dams and reservoirs can overflow and lead to disaster. Overflowing and flooding are not the only problems using hydropower faces. Over the past month, California has received an abundant rain that became runoff or mixed in with dirt. Which then causes mud and debris to cover the reservoirs. LA county needs to find a cost-efficient way of removing said mud and debris. People can argue why using dams for electricity can be controversial and ineffective. 

Nikolewski, Rob. (2023, January 18) So Much Rain and Snow May Boost Hydropower – Good News for California’s Grid. Retrieved February 11, 2023, https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2023-01-18/california-rain-snow-could-boost-hydropower-good-news-for-power-grid

California’s recent heavy rainfall and snowfall are expected to increase hydropower production, which is good news for the state’s power grid. Hydropower can power California’s electricity, and with increased snowpack, hydroelectric facilities will have more water to generate more. This could reduce the state’s reliance on natural gas, which is used to meet peak electricity demand during dry periods. California anticipates more flexibility will power because the heavy rains should supply a decent amount of water. Unfortunately, the state can’t completely rely on rainfall for power because it could fluctuate and become another dry season, just like last year. 

Things are looking up for the use of hydroelectric power. The rainfall could be helpful for the power grid, and we would have less of a carbon footprint than using natural resources such as gas, oil, and coal. Dams aren’t an utterly emission-free solution, but research shows that it is a more efficient way without burning any fossil fuels. It is common knowledge that burning fossil fuels can lead to more significant issues. The upcoming rainfall could also be very effective because of the recent droughts throughout California.  

Army Corps of Engineering is taking its first step in repairing old dams with a $7 billion loan. Most states don’t have grant or loan programs specifically targeted for repairing dams. “The Association of State Dam Safety Officials estimates it could cost nearly $76 billion to rehabilitate the almost 89,000 dams owned by individuals, companies, community associations, states, local governments and other entities besides the U.S. government.” This program is to provide public safety and reduce risk. More loans could go up to $20 million but generally, it could cover up to 49% of the costs. But that could extend up to 80%

This article is stating the cost to repair dams all over the US. It is important to save the dams so that is may not destroy the environment or other ecosystems around the United States. It may be extremely expensive, but it is also extremely critical. I think it’s an overall good idea to continue to repair the dams because a massive build-up could cause collapsing and we lose all the water and communities are put into danger. It might be a danger of losing power and or danger of flooding.

Cuts in hydro energy production in the West because of the water shortages. Exceptional heat causing the demands for energy hits a record. If the drought continues two of the largest (Lake Mead and Lake Powell) dams in the US will eventually be in critically dry condition. Natural gas plants have been being used more due to dams being unable to fulfill their tasks. Some see this as an opportunity to grow without water and to adapt. For example, some power plants are now using dry cooling, a technology that requires 95 percent less water than conventional methods. For better methods that it is necessary to look beyond industrial power plants. 

In this article, it is talking about the decline in Dams. We need to figure out a solution so that we may not only rely on fossil fuel-burning plants as our only source of energy. We also have to adapt and find better alternative energy sources. Dry cooling is a great concept, but I don’t think it could be a permanent solution to our problems.

The Western Dams are unfortunately not thriving due to the droughts occurring, and it is causing an electrical decline. Fortunately, the dams in all the other regions are doing excellent. “In 2016, a U.S. Department of Energy study forecast that hydropower in the United States could expand from its current capacity of 101 gigawatts to nearly 150 gigawatts by 2050.” Hydropower is key to efficient energy production.  Environmental groups warn that nonpowered dams can produce negative environmental impacts. Rye Development looks at dams as an opportunity. They claim that their Overton project can produce 49 megawatts when finished, and it will provide enough electricity to power more than 9,000 homes from the Red River in Lousiana

In this article, it talks about how instead of destroying and creating new dams they are being upgraded to become more efficient. I do agree that there might be some environmental impacts, but that the benefits outweigh the cons in this situation. I see this as an opportunity to create more energy for the US and as a healthy alternative power source. The nation’s most iconic dams will be 5 times fast than they are ever been