Effects of fine sediments on fish fauna: case of the Romanche downstream of the Chambon dam (Isère, France)
Alpine rivers as a whole show a significant natural sediment transit, particularly in suspended solids, which varies from year to year and is often concentrated in time around specific episodes (storms, floods, debris flows, etc.). In addition, the management of the EDF structures present on these rivers influences the flows as well as the transit of sediments downstream. These management operations, which are highly dependent on safety and security issues, may occasionally increase the concentrations of suspended solids downstream of the dams. Particular attention is paid by EDF to minimise the effects of these operations on fish fauna.
The Chambon dam, located on the Romanche, is subject to significant sedimentation. These high levels of sedimentation force EDF to carry out regular management operations to keep the production chain safely operational. Currently, management is based on 4 annual flushing operations during high water periods (late spring - summer), each lasting approximately one day and generating suspended solids concentrations of several g/l.
The objectives of this project are:
Project partner(s)
Project leader - team
Franck Cattaneo
(HEPIA),
David Grimardias
(HEPIA),
Charles Brun
(HEPIA),
Eliane Demierre
(HEPIA),
Jane O'rourke
(HEPIA),
Antoine Polblanc
(HEPIA)