A Review of Environmental Flow Policies for SHP in China: Past, Present and Future Improvement

Environment flow (Eflow) is essential for the basic health of natural river. Poor implementation of Eflow policy will threaten the river ecosystem downward the dam due to the diversion of water for power generation by small hydropower (SHP). In 2018, the environmental audit on Yangtze River Economic Belt by National Audit Office identified some severe problems related to SHP development which brought about widespread concern. One of the problems is the poor implementation of Eflow policy that cause some reaches of 333 rivers suffering from dewatering with total length up to 1017 km in this area. Although there are several specific guidelines developed for Eflow calculation in recent years and Eflow regulations put into force in several provinces, the Eflow policies applied in SHP plants suffer from challenges such as the too-complicated guidelines, difficulties to reflect the differences of SHP plants regarding to the scale, development mode, location and functions etc. Besides, the absent of clear Eflow requirement, absent or poorly worked Eflow discharge facilities and monitoring equipment also make the application of Eflow policies on SHP more difficult. Therefore, a review of Chinese Eflow policies is particularly important for understanding current and future challenges in SHP sector especially considering environmental aspects. In order to improve the implementation of Eflow policies that essential for a healthy natural river ecosystem, this review tends to give an overview of the Eflow policies of SHP in China, divided in four main sections. The first section focuses on the regulatory framework on Eflow policies such as the authorities for Eflow approval, the guidelines and regulations for calculation of Eflow and monitoring of the Eflow discharge in the past. The second introduces the massive environmental audit and inspections in 2018 which directly disclose the severe problems in SHP development and therefore promote the stricter governance in Eflow discharge. The third section analyzes the difficulties and good practices of implementation of Eflow policies when applied in SHP projects based on the large scale rectification movement in 2017 and 2018. Finally, suggestions for improvement on Eflow policies are proposed aiming to safeguard the river health in China.