Author(s): Eva Enders; William Jacques; Etienne Foulon; Andre St-Hilaire

Linked Author(s): Eva Enders

Keywords: Environmental flow; Fish habitat assessment

Abstract: Small-scale hydropower can increase our capacity to produce renewable energy cost -effectively. Over the past four decades, to reduce carbon emissions, Canada has seen an increase in small-scale hydropower developments located in small rivers or streams. While small-scale hydropower is a promising option for producing sustainable and inexpensive energy in remote areas, environmental impacts on wildlife and aquatic ecosystems must be considered. Here, we modeled the potential impacts of a small -scale hydropower project on fish habitat in the Kipawa River located in western Quebec, Canada. Research activities included monitoring of water levels and environmental conditions, assessing fish habitat, and applying hydrological models to simulate flow variations and fish habitat availability before impacts and under various hydroelectric scenarios. The research was conducted in partnership with the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (Sépaq). The data collected will inform management decisions on small-scale hydroelectric development on the Kipawa River in particular and provide a framework for impact assessments of small-scale hydroelectric developments in general.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64697/iahr.proc.ise2026.abs.176

Year: 2026