Reservoir sedimentation studies

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Sedimentation, the process of suspended particles setting out of the water column, occurs frequently in dams, decreasing their capacity. Whilst a natural process increased rates of sedimentation can result operational challenges and decreased capacity. As sedimentation can be accelerated by the drawdown of water from pumped hydro operations. This project aims to identify and quantify sedimentation rates within the reservoir. 

The study incorporated a sequential approach built upon an initial field survey completed using a freefall penetrometer. These results allowed for relatively rapid mapping of deposition zones across a large spatial area and informed a follow up coring survey. To monitor current sedimentation rates, Fluvio deployed in-situ sedimentation arrays as well as event monitoring nodes in the major inflow points. The field program has been supported by a visual shoreline assessment to define reservoir drawdown sediment dynamics.