Defining a Framework for Integrating Environmental and Social Aspects in Dam Rehabilitation

There are more than 36000 dams in the world. In 1950 there were 20000. That means there are now at least 20000 dams in the world more than 50 years old. This is the challenge we face in dealing with rehabilitation. Many of these dams were built under difficult circumstances with inadequate resources, the population in desperate need of drinking water, hydroelectric power, or flood relief. Therefore, the establishments of these dams such as Latyan and Amir Kabir dams in Iran are very old and this has created an increasing attention to the issue in recent years. In this paper we have investigated the possibility of introducing new techniques for rehabilitation and improvement of dams’ behavior through a holistic viewpoint. In order to proceed with dam rehabilitation analysis, dam owners should perform a detailed incremental hazard evaluation of the dam which is the main focus of this research. The step by step approach discussed in this paper is the recommended standard protocol that will assist dam owners in performing decision analysis. An integrated environmental and social Assessment with an environmental management plan have been developed to manage risk and maximize environmental and social benefits wherever it is applicable. This will be finalized based on earlier work and experiences and consideration of improvement activities proposed by Water and Power Ministry.