CSA Group Releases Report on Climate Change Adaptation for Dams

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group undertook a research project on climate change adaptation for dams – an area which has not been well-studied in the past and one which does not readily adapt itself to solutions for other types of infrastructure. This study, prepared with the participation of several CDA members, consisted of a literature review (legislation and regulation; CDA, ICOLD and ISO guidance documents), stakeholder interviews, and a workshop. The study’s authors said:

"The inconsistency in the consideration of climate risk and the potential vulnerabilities identified for dams in Canada presents a need for guidance on the steps to take towards climate adaptation. Stakeholders were interested in having processes and best practices for climate change adaptation outlined, but there were also some identified barriers. These included limitations in the availability and interpretation of climate data and limited industry experience in applying this data to assess impacts and adaptation actions for a site or watershed.”

The study noted that a path forward to addressing climate change and dams included:

• Assess and address climate change data needs for dams through research and collaboration.
• Establish best practices and prepare a guidance document for conducting climate change vulnerability and risk assessments for dams.
• Establish best practices for climate and non-climate related risk-based decision-making for dams.
• Create a process that can be used to guide adaptation decision-making through consultation with stakeholders and researchers who have worked on climate adaptation specific to dams.
• Conduct further research on the climate change related impacts to small dams and prepare a guidance document with climate adaptation considerations specific to small or lower consequence dams.

You can read the Executive Summary and download the complete report here.