Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Resource Management: constructed conveyance

constructed conveyance

Constructed Conveyance: Engineering Water's Path for Environmental and Water Treatment

In the realm of environmental and water treatment, the term "constructed conveyance" refers to a broad category of artificial waterways that play a crucial role in managing water flow and treatment. These waterways, often created by human intervention, serve as conduits for diverting, transporting, and even purifying water. Understanding the different types of constructed conveyances and their applications is essential for effective water resource management and environmental protection.

Types of Constructed Conveyances:

  • Ditches: These are open channels, typically dug into the ground, designed to carry water for irrigation, drainage, or conveyance purposes. They are often used in agricultural areas to move water from sources to fields.
  • Culverts: Enclosed conduits, often made of concrete or metal, designed to carry water under roads, railways, or other structures. They facilitate safe passage of water without disrupting traffic or infrastructure.
  • Flumes: Open channels with a specific cross-section, designed to carry water at high velocities and manage erosion. They are often used in hydropower plants and irrigation systems.
  • Canals: Large, artificial waterways, typically constructed for navigation, irrigation, or water supply purposes. They can be used to transport water over long distances and connect different water bodies.
  • Altered Natural Waterbodies: Rivers, streams, or lakes that have been modified through dredging, dam construction, or channel straightening to improve navigation, flood control, or water supply.

Applications in Environmental and Water Treatment:

  • Wastewater Treatment: Constructed conveyances are vital for transporting wastewater from homes and businesses to treatment plants. They ensure efficient and safe movement of wastewater to prevent pollution of natural water bodies.
  • Stormwater Management: During heavy rainfall, constructed conveyances can divert excess stormwater runoff from urban areas, reducing flooding and erosion.
  • Irrigation: Canals and ditches are essential for delivering water to agricultural lands, promoting efficient crop production.
  • Hydropower Generation: Flumes and canals are used to direct water towards turbines in hydropower plants, generating clean energy.
  • Water Supply: Constructed conveyances can be used to transport clean water from reservoirs or treatment plants to communities and industries.

Challenges and Considerations:

  • Environmental Impacts: Constructed conveyances can alter natural water flow patterns and habitats, potentially impacting aquatic ecosystems.
  • Maintenance: These structures require regular maintenance to prevent erosion, blockages, and structural failures.
  • Cost: Constructing and maintaining these systems can be expensive, especially for large-scale projects like canals.

Sustainable Design and Management:

  • Minimizing Environmental Impacts: Designing constructed conveyances to mimic natural stream characteristics and incorporating ecological considerations can mitigate negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
  • Integrated Water Management: Considering constructed conveyances as part of a larger integrated water management plan, which addresses all aspects of water use, allocation, and quality, is crucial.
  • Adaptive Management: Monitoring the performance of constructed conveyances and adapting designs and management practices based on real-time data is essential for ensuring long-term effectiveness and sustainability.

In conclusion, constructed conveyances play a critical role in shaping the flow and management of water for environmental and water treatment purposes. Understanding their diverse applications, challenges, and sustainable design considerations is vital for achieving responsible water resource management and protecting our natural environment.


Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Constructed Conveyance

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. Which of the following is NOT a type of constructed conveyance?

a) Ditch b) Aqueduct c) Culvert d) Reservoir

Answer

d) Reservoir

2. What is the primary function of a flume?

a) To transport water under roads or railways. b) To carry water at high velocities and manage erosion. c) To store water for irrigation or drinking. d) To divert excess stormwater runoff.

Answer

b) To carry water at high velocities and manage erosion.

3. Which of the following is NOT a challenge associated with constructed conveyances?

a) Environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems. b) High construction and maintenance costs. c) Increased water evaporation rates. d) Potential for blockages and structural failures.

Answer

c) Increased water evaporation rates.

4. How can constructed conveyances contribute to wastewater treatment?

a) By transporting wastewater to treatment plants for purification. b) By filtering pollutants from wastewater before discharge. c) By storing wastewater for later treatment. d) By using wastewater for irrigation purposes.

Answer

a) By transporting wastewater to treatment plants for purification.

5. Which of the following is a sustainable design consideration for constructed conveyances?

a) Using concrete instead of natural materials for construction. b) Minimizing the length of canals and ditches. c) Designing them to mimic natural stream characteristics. d) Increasing the velocity of water flow through the conveyances.

Answer

c) Designing them to mimic natural stream characteristics.

Exercise: Constructed Conveyance for Stormwater Management

Scenario: A small town experiences frequent flooding during heavy rainfall due to inadequate drainage infrastructure. The town council is considering constructing a new drainage system to manage stormwater runoff.

Task:

  1. Identify and describe two types of constructed conveyances that could be used for this project.
  2. Explain the benefits and potential drawbacks of each type of conveyance in this specific context.
  3. Suggest one sustainable design approach that could be incorporated into the drainage system to minimize environmental impacts.

Exercice Correction

**1. Types of Constructed Conveyances:** a) **Culverts:** Enclosed conduits, often made of concrete or metal, can be used to transport stormwater under roads and other infrastructure. They can be efficient for directing water flow away from populated areas and minimizing flooding risks. b) **Ditches:** Open channels, typically dug into the ground, can be used to collect and transport stormwater runoff. They can be relatively inexpensive to construct and provide a natural drainage path. **2. Benefits and Drawbacks:** **Culverts:** * **Benefits:** Efficiently channel water, prevent flooding, protect infrastructure. * **Drawbacks:** Potential for blockages, may require regular maintenance, limited capacity during extreme rainfall events. **Ditches:** * **Benefits:** Relatively inexpensive, offer flexibility in design, can promote natural drainage patterns. * **Drawbacks:** Limited capacity, susceptible to erosion, may require landscaping to integrate into the environment. **3. Sustainable Design Approach:** **Bioretention Swales:** These are vegetated channels designed to slow down and filter stormwater runoff before it reaches the main drainage system. They can help improve water quality, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife.


Books

  • Water Resources Engineering: By David A. Chin (This book provides a comprehensive overview of water resources engineering, including the design, construction, and management of constructed conveyances.)
  • Hydrology and Water Resources: By David R. Maidment (This book covers the principles of hydrology, including the movement and management of water, and discusses the role of constructed conveyances in water resource systems.)
  • Environmental Engineering: A Global Perspective: By Charles N. Sawyer, Perry L. McCarty, and Gene F. Parkin (This book provides a broad overview of environmental engineering principles, including the design and operation of wastewater treatment systems, which often utilize constructed conveyances.)
  • Handbook of Constructed Wetlands: By William J. Mitsch and James G. Gosselink (While focusing on constructed wetlands, this book explores the broader concept of engineered water systems and discusses the design and application of constructed conveyances for wastewater treatment and water management.)

Articles

  • "Constructed Conveyances for Stormwater Management: A Review" (This article, likely found in a journal like the Journal of Environmental Management or Water Resources Management, would focus on the use of constructed conveyances for stormwater management.)
  • "The Role of Constructed Conveyances in Integrated Water Resource Management" (This article would explore the broader context of constructed conveyances within integrated water resource management systems.)
  • "Ecological Impacts of Constructed Conveyances: A Case Study" (This article would present a specific case study examining the environmental impacts of a constructed conveyance and could be found in journals like Ecological Engineering or Environmental Science & Technology.)

Online Resources

  • The ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) website: Search their website for publications, research reports, and technical papers related to constructed conveyances.
  • The WEF (Water Environment Federation) website: Search their website for information on wastewater treatment and constructed conveyances used in those systems.
  • The USGS (United States Geological Survey) website: Explore their resources on water resources, hydrology, and constructed conveyances, including their potential environmental impacts.
  • The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine website: Search their website for reports on water resources management, including the design and implementation of constructed conveyances.

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