Impact of UK reservoirs on the surrounding environment Dissertation

Impact of UK reservoirs on the surrounding environment - Dissertation Example The paper tells that over the last 25 years, the â€Å"freeboard and spillway arrangements† for reservoirs in the UK have been based on the unit hydrograph rainfall-runoff and losses model. The model was used to obtain the design of the events of flood that would enable to determine whether the prevailing arrangements might convene the floods. The characteristics of drainage such as the area of the basin, the basin shape, the type of soil, use of the land, drainage density and drainage network topology, and the rainfall characteristics that include duration of the rainfall, its intensity, its distribution and direction are the different factors that might affect the shape of the hydrograph. The unit hydrograph model was established in the year 1975. However in the recent years, the model has been revitalized and hence replaced with the ReFH or Revitalized Flood Hydrograph Model that comprises three significant components – the loss, routine and baseflow models. The seas onality of the floods is also measured through this model such that factors of seasonal corrections are applied to the estimates of the flood designs and conditions with the purpose of meeting the floods. The Reservoirs Act 1975 led the responsibility of the law to protect the reservoirs in the UK. Approximately 25000 cu m of water is held by the UK reservoirs and the Act covers around 2500 reservoirs under its framework. England, Wales and Scotland are under the purview of this Act. However, the Act does not cover the reservoirs across the Northern Ireland. Undertakers, Enforcement Authorities, Qualified Civil Engineers, and the Secretary of the State are the four major persons or organizations in charge under the Act who have the different responsibilities in regard to the protection of the UK reservoirs. The undertakers are referred to the owners of the reservoirs and thus have the most significant responsibility for the reservoir’s safety. The role of the enforcement authorities comprises monitoring the performance of the undertakers. The design and supervision of the constructions of the reservoirs focusing on the safety issue are the responsibilities of the qualified engineers. The Secretary of State is in charge of supervising the activities of the other three major persons or organizations (The British Dam Society, 2010). It is in the last five years that the risks arising out from the reservoirs have been considered significantly as a matter of c oncern. The risk factors have arisen as a result of the uncontrolled discharge of water from the reservoirs threatening the lives of the heavily populated regions where the reservoirs are located in the UK. The reservoir safety legislation was introduced in the year 1930. Since then such disastrous incidents have not occurred. However, there have been several incidents that could have taken several lives (Morris, Hewlett & Elliott, n.d., p.3). Not only are the risks associated with such reservoirs, but also several advantages and disadvantages and impacts are associated related to the surrounding environment that might occur as a result of the constructions and use of the reservoirs in the UK. The present study focuses on the impacts that UK reservoirs have on its surrounding environment. The following figure represents the overall reservoir stocks in England and Wales between 1996-2005: Figure 1: Overall Reservoir Stocks in England and Wales 1996-2005 (Water Levels, 2007). 2. Liter ature Review: For a better understanding of the literature relating to the impact of reservoirs in the UK on the surrounding community it would be significant to gain a proper understanding of reservoirs and their function in the society. This will allow for

Literature review (2) major project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Literature review (2) major project - Essay Example It shall also relate these studies to each other in terms of consistency across a variety of variables. The therapist-driven approach in respiratory therapy as described by the American Association of Respiratory Care (Des Jardins & Burton, 2006, p. 131) focuses first on delivering individualized diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients; second, on assisting the physician in evaluating the needs of the patient; third, on determining the indications for respiratory therapy and what mode would work best in providing quality health services to the patient; and lastly, on empowering practitioners in allocating signs-and-symptoms based algorithms for patient treatment. This type of therapy is based on the individual needs of a patient. The interaction with the therapist would primarily decide the treatment protocols for the patient. Each patient has unique qualities and unique needs that often ultimately influence the choices that would work best for patients. The therapist-driven protocols are also known for being specific respiratory care services which are implemented under the supervision of the respiratory care practitioners (Stoller, 1998, p. 408). It primarily seeks to implement care services for patients more specifically based on their needs, and administered by experts in respiratory care. The development of the care is collaborative and planned with the assistance of the other members of the health care team equipped with the necessary expertise as regards respiratory care. The collaboration takes into consideration all factors pertinent to the needs of the patient. More often than not, the therapist-driven approach extends to the respiratory consult service, also known as the evaluate-and-treat program. This is a program â€Å"in which respiratory care is directed by respiratory care practitioners based on a menu of protocols for individual respiratory care services† (Stoller, 1998,