Environmental Management Systems in HPPs cover the following activities of power generation – basic components:
- Dam (a construction that blocks, redirects or slows the natural flow of water). Usually, dam construction involves water storage, reservoirs or even artificial lakes
- Reservoir(artificial lake which supplies the steam turbines with the water stored)
- Spillway. Spillways are necessary for dam safety and ensure the discharge of floodwater
- Power intake–This term describes the entry of water in the headrace tunnel
- Headrace tunnel–Surge tower. The headrace tunnel carries water under pressure from the power intake to the surge tower
- Hydro Power Plant. Here, water energy is converted into electric power (hydro-turbines, power generator, transformers)
The procedure of identifying environmental aspects (environmental risks) associated with the operation of HPPs considers the following:
- Discards in water
- Discards in soil
- Noise
- Use of ancillary materials and natural resources
- Use of energy
- Generated Waste and By-products