Assessment of the environmental, social and economic benefits of a water transfer tunnel in the Nakdong River, Korea

Abstract

This study compares the benefits and disadvantages of two options, i.e. dam construction and a water transfer tunnel between two existing dams, with a particular focus on their effects on the natural environment and local communities and their respective economic efficiencies. It is concluded that significant advantages exist for the construction of a water transfer tunnel between two dams in Korea. This option would secure water resources in a manner that minimizes the economic, environmental and social effects of water resource development and which maximizes the utility of existing water resources.

Keywords::

• dam construction
• economic efficiency
• environmental and social effects
• Korea
• water transfer tunnel

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by a grant [number 14AWMP-B082564-01] from the Advanced Water Management Research Program funded by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport of the Korean government.