Number: 1981-27
WHEREAS, there are more than 5,400 existing dams and other impoundments in the nation which may be suitable for the production of electric power, including more than 4,800 small-scale dams with a generating capacity of 15 megawatts or less; and
WHEREAS, the rehabilitation of existing small-scale, low-head dams for power generation, when developed with due regard for other natural resource values, can cause minimal adverse effects to fish and wildlife, compared with alternative energy development; and
WHEREAS, the construction of new dams at currently undeveloped sites can cause the degradation downstream habitat, the alteration of instinctive migration patterns in fish, the elimination of significant benthic communities, and the destruction of valuable riparian habitat for wildlife;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 26-29, 1981, in Norfolk, Virginia, hereby supports the development of hydroelectric power at appropriate existing small-scale dams, with adequate environmental safeguards for run-of-river operation and effective upstream and downstream fish passage facilities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this organization is of the opinion that appropriate existing dams should be rehabilitated for electric power production in lieu of the development of new dam sites for this purpose.