Reservoir dredging: a risk-based approach

Reservoirs are large natural or artificial lakes created by constructing a dam to store fresh water. Sedimentation in a reservoir both diminishes its storage capacity and compromises its purpose and safety. Reservoir dredging is a curative sediment management strategy, which, if planned effectively, is a sustainable solution. Most reservoirs have multiple users leading to competition and potential conflicts among user groups. Reservoirs are associated with complex and sensitive ecosystems and large volume of sediments that need to be removed. A risk-based approach for reservoir dredging involving all stakeholders from an early stage will help to identify and mitigate risks with minimal damage to the associated ecosystems.