Analyzing the Environmental Impacts of Water Projects,

The study was aimed at developing and testing a structured, systematic methodology for the identification, description, measurement and display of the environmental impacts associated with water resources development activities. However, it does not deal with the question of the relative worth or benefits and costs associated with these impacts. The contents include: A legal analysis of the requirements of Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969; A review of selected materials relevant to environmental impact assessment; Environmental impact analysis--matters of definition and approach; Environmental impacts associated with reservoir projects; The 1971 Congressional Hearings on stream channelization--an aid to environmental impact identification; Chemical and biological impacts of dredging and spoil disposal; Impacts induced by water projects providing flood control and recreation; Ecological, visual and cultural impacts; Practical concerns in environmental impact analysis; and a case study for projects in Carmel Valley, California.