What impacts do the dams have on the Ottawa River System?
The impacts of dams on river systems are well-documented and numerous. A few good sources of information that details the research proving impacts of dams on river ecosystems are listed here: In the Ottawa River system the dams and reservoirs create the following problems: • Blocking upstream and downstream migration of fish and mussels, thereby preventing them from reaching spawning and feeding areas • Flooding, erosion, habitat washout • Scouring and armoring of the riverbed by infrequent and large releases of water • Rapid fluctuations in flow that do not mimic the natural flow patterns in rivers • Modification of water-quality parameters including water temperatures, nutrient concentration and dissolved oxygen For more detail on the impacts that some of the mainstream dams have had on fish populations in the Ottawa River System, see Tim Haxton’s report Review of the historical and existing natural environment and resource uses on the Ottawa River. For more detailed information abou
