Feasibility Assessment for the Removal of the Dali Reservoir
Terms of Reference (TOR): Feasibility Assessment for the Removal of the Dali Reservoir Dam, Kakheti Steppes, Georgia
“SABUKO” (Society for Nature Conservation), a Georgian conservation NGO, is committed to the long-term restoration of natural habitats and landscapes, as well as promoting sustainable land management practices. As part of this broader mission, SABUKO is undertaking an assessment of the potential removal of the Dali Reservoir dam. This Terms of Reference (TOR) outlines the scope, objectives, and methodology for conducting this study, aiming to provide an evaluation of the environmental, social, and economic implications of dam removal. The feasibility study will inform decision-making regarding the future of the Dali Reservoir and contribute to the development of a strategic plan for the restoration of the affected ecosystem.
This TOR establishes the framework for a feasibility assessment of the potential removal of the Dali Reservoir dam in Georgia. The study will assess both the feasibility of dam removal and the associated environmental, social, economic, and technical consequences. Public consultation and stakeholder engagement will be integral to this process, ensuring that the views and concerns of all affected parties are considered. The primary goal of this TOR is to outline a structured approach for the feasibility study, ensuring that all relevant factors are thoroughly evaluated.
Objectives:
** Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Conduct a thorough impact assessment to evaluate potential environmental consequences of dam removal and alternative management scenarios. This assessment should specifically focus on the potential impacts on floodplain forests and other ecosystem functions, including:
** Dam Removal Scenario: Evaluate the potential impacts—both positive and negative—on floodplain forests and other ecosystem functions in the event of dam removal. This assessment will consider the full range of ecological outcomes to provide a balanced understanding of the consequences
** Alternative Management Scenarios: Identify and evaluate alternative management scenarios, such as dam retention or rehabilitation, to assess their potential impacts—both positive and negative—on floodplain forests and other ecosystem functions. This evaluation will provide a comprehensive understanding of the ecological outcomes of each management option
** State Alignment Assessment: Evaluate the state`s readiness and willingness to consider dam removal by presenting the findings from the feasibility study. This includes a balanced analysis of both the potential benefits and drawbacks, without presuming any particular outcome. The consultant`s role will be to provide the state with a clear and comprehensive presentation of the research results to aid in their decision-making process. Additionally, the assessment will review the state`s current plans and policies related to the reservoir to identify any existing commitments or priorities that may affect the decision. The ultimate goal is to support the authorities in making an informed choice on whether to proceed with dam removal.
** Socio-economic Impact Assessment (SEIA): Assess potential social and economic implications on local communities and stakeholders, including job creation, recreation, property values, and cultural heritage. This assessment should consider both short-term and long-term impacts, as well as potential mitigation measures.
** Engineering Feasibility Analysis: Analyze the engineering feasibility of dam removal, considering factors such as dam stability, sediment management, post-removal river restoration, and potential downstream impacts. This analysis should identify and evaluate various dam removal scenarios and develop detailed engineering plans for the most viable options.
** Cost-Benefit Analysis: Develop a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to compare the potential expenditures and gains associated with dam removal to alternative options, such as dam rehabilitation or operation modifications. This analysis should consider both direct and indirect costs and benefits, as well as the distribution of costs and benefits across different stakeholders.
** Risk Assessment: Identify and evaluate potential risks and uncertainties associated with dam removal, including downstream impacts, flood risk, sediment release, and potential damage to infrastructure. This assessment should develop risk mitigation strategies to address identified risks and minimize potential negative impacts.
** Appropriate Assessment (AA): As required for projects within the Emerald Network, conduct an appropriate assessment to evaluate potential impacts on the integrity of the Emerald Network site. This assessment is a formal requirement to ensure that the project complies with conservation standards specific to the Emerald Network
Scope of Work The feasibility study will encompass the following key components:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be the core component of the feasibility study, encompassing a comprehensive evaluation of the potential impacts of dam removal on the environment, society, and economy. The EIA will address the following aspects:
** Environmental Impacts: Assess the potential impacts of dam removal on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, riparian habitats, cultural resources, hydrology, sediment transport, erosion, flood risk, and opportunities for ecological restoration and habitat enhancement.
** Social Impacts: Identify and evaluate the potential social and cultural impacts of dam removal on affected communities, including impacts on local Conduct a comprehensive review of existing studies, reports, and data related to the Dali Reservoir and its surrounding environment.
The feasibility study will comprise the following tasks:
** Establish a detailed baseline assessment of environmental, social, and economic conditions to serve as a reference point for impact evaluation.
** Conduct a thorough dam safety assessment to evaluate the current condition of the dam and identify potential risks associated with continued operation.
** Develop strategies for stakeholder engagement and communication to ensure transparent and inclusive decision-making.
** Economic Impacts: Assess the potential economic impacts of dam removal, including benefits and costs, job creation, and impacts on local businesses and communities.
** Engineering and Technical Considerations: Evaluate the technical feasibility and potential costs of dam removal, including sediment management, river restoration, public safety, and permitting requirements.
** Risk Assessment: Identify potential hazards and uncertainties associated with dam removal, develop risk mitigation strategies, and minimize potential negative impacts.
** Cost-Benefit Analysis: Compare the potential costs and benefits of dam removal to alternative options, considering economic, social, and environmental factors.
Appropriate Assessment:
A comprehensive appropriate assessment to evaluate potential impacts on Emerald Network site integrity.
Deliverables The feasibility study will produce the following key deliverables:
** A comprehensive study report summarizing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on all assessments conducted, including environmental, social, economic, technical, and state alignment evaluations.
** Detailed technical reports and supporting documentation.
** A public consultation and stakeholder engagement report.
Budget and Timeline Develop a detailed budget for the feasibility study, including personnel costs, equipment, data collection, analysis, reporting, etc. Establish a realistic project timeline with key milestones and deliverables. Research activities and report development should be completed within a 12-month period from the date of contract signing.
Contact information: Email: lx.mikeladze@gmail.com
Related Posts
Feasibility Assessment for the Removal of the Dali Reservoir
Terms of Reference (TOR): Feasibility Assessment for the Removal of the Dali Reservoir Dam, Kakheti Steppes, Georgia
“SABUKO” (Society for Nature Conservation), a Georgian conservation NGO, is committed to the long-term restoration of natural habitats and landscapes, as well as promoting sustainable land management practices. As part of this broader mission, SABUKO is undertaking an assessment of the potential removal of the Dali Reservoir dam. This Terms of Reference (TOR) outlines the scope, objectives, and methodology for conducting this study, aiming to provide an evaluation of the environmental, social, and economic implications of dam removal. The feasibility study will inform decision-making regarding the future of the Dali Reservoir and contribute to the development of a strategic plan for the restoration of the affected ecosystem.
This TOR establishes the framework for a feasibility assessment of the potential removal of the Dali Reservoir dam in Georgia. The study will assess both the feasibility of dam removal and the associated environmental, social, economic, and technical consequences. Public consultation and stakeholder engagement will be integral to this process, ensuring that the views and concerns of all affected parties are considered. The primary goal of this TOR is to outline a structured approach for the feasibility study, ensuring that all relevant factors are thoroughly evaluated.
Objectives:
** Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Conduct a thorough impact assessment to evaluate potential environmental consequences of dam removal and alternative management scenarios. This assessment should specifically focus on the potential impacts on floodplain forests and other ecosystem functions, including:
** Dam Removal Scenario: Evaluate the potential impacts—both positive and negative—on floodplain forests and other ecosystem functions in the event of dam removal. This assessment will consider the full range of ecological outcomes to provide a balanced understanding of the consequences
** Alternative Management Scenarios: Identify and evaluate alternative management scenarios, such as dam retention or rehabilitation, to assess their potential impacts—both positive and negative—on floodplain forests and other ecosystem functions. This evaluation will provide a comprehensive understanding of the ecological outcomes of each management option
** State Alignment Assessment: Evaluate the state`s readiness and willingness to consider dam removal by presenting the findings from the feasibility study. This includes a balanced analysis of both the potential benefits and drawbacks, without presuming any particular outcome. The consultant`s role will be to provide the state with a clear and comprehensive presentation of the research results to aid in their decision-making process. Additionally, the assessment will review the state`s current plans and policies related to the reservoir to identify any existing commitments or priorities that may affect the decision. The ultimate goal is to support the authorities in making an informed choice on whether to proceed with dam removal.
** Socio-economic Impact Assessment (SEIA): Assess potential social and economic implications on local communities and stakeholders, including job creation, recreation, property values, and cultural heritage. This assessment should consider both short-term and long-term impacts, as well as potential mitigation measures.
** Engineering Feasibility Analysis: Analyze the engineering feasibility of dam removal, considering factors such as dam stability, sediment management, post-removal river restoration, and potential downstream impacts. This analysis should identify and evaluate various dam removal scenarios and develop detailed engineering plans for the most viable options.
** Cost-Benefit Analysis: Develop a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to compare the potential expenditures and gains associated with dam removal to alternative options, such as dam rehabilitation or operation modifications. This analysis should consider both direct and indirect costs and benefits, as well as the distribution of costs and benefits across different stakeholders.
** Risk Assessment: Identify and evaluate potential risks and uncertainties associated with dam removal, including downstream impacts, flood risk, sediment release, and potential damage to infrastructure. This assessment should develop risk mitigation strategies to address identified risks and minimize potential negative impacts.
** Appropriate Assessment (AA): As required for projects within the Emerald Network, conduct an appropriate assessment to evaluate potential impacts on the integrity of the Emerald Network site. This assessment is a formal requirement to ensure that the project complies with conservation standards specific to the Emerald Network
Scope of Work The feasibility study will encompass the following key components:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be the core component of the feasibility study, encompassing a comprehensive evaluation of the potential impacts of dam removal on the environment, society, and economy. The EIA will address the following aspects:
** Environmental Impacts: Assess the potential impacts of dam removal on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, riparian habitats, cultural resources, hydrology, sediment transport, erosion, flood risk, and opportunities for ecological restoration and habitat enhancement.
** Social Impacts: Identify and evaluate the potential social and cultural impacts of dam removal on affected communities, including impacts on local Conduct a comprehensive review of existing studies, reports, and data related to the Dali Reservoir and its surrounding environment.
The feasibility study will comprise the following tasks:
** Establish a detailed baseline assessment of environmental, social, and economic conditions to serve as a reference point for impact evaluation.
** Conduct a thorough dam safety assessment to evaluate the current condition of the dam and identify potential risks associated with continued operation.
** Develop strategies for stakeholder engagement and communication to ensure transparent and inclusive decision-making.
** Economic Impacts: Assess the potential economic impacts of dam removal, including benefits and costs, job creation, and impacts on local businesses and communities.
** Engineering and Technical Considerations: Evaluate the technical feasibility and potential costs of dam removal, including sediment management, river restoration, public safety, and permitting requirements.
** Risk Assessment: Identify potential hazards and uncertainties associated with dam removal, develop risk mitigation strategies, and minimize potential negative impacts.
** Cost-Benefit Analysis: Compare the potential costs and benefits of dam removal to alternative options, considering economic, social, and environmental factors.
Appropriate Assessment:
A comprehensive appropriate assessment to evaluate potential impacts on Emerald Network site integrity.
Deliverables The feasibility study will produce the following key deliverables:
** A comprehensive study report summarizing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations based on all assessments conducted, including environmental, social, economic, technical, and state alignment evaluations.
** Detailed technical reports and supporting documentation.
** A public consultation and stakeholder engagement report.
Budget and Timeline Develop a detailed budget for the feasibility study, including personnel costs, equipment, data collection, analysis, reporting, etc. Establish a realistic project timeline with key milestones and deliverables. Research activities and report development should be completed within a 12-month period from the date of contract signing.
Contact information: Email: lx.mikeladze@gmail.com
