E-flows to reduce the hydropeaking impacts on the Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) habitat. An effectiveness assessment based on the COSH Tool application

Hydropower plant (HPP) operations, in response to variations in market energy demand and electricity production, can generate rapid and frequent fluctuations of discharge in rivers downstream. This phenomenon, termed hydropeaking, may negatively impact fish populations. The present study aims to investigate the effects of hydropeaking on the Iberian barbel (Luciobarbus bocagei) habitat conditions. A two-dimensional (2D) model was used to obtain the habitat suitability downstream of a HPP. The influence of the ecological flow (E-flow) regime on the habitat conditions and flow fluctuations owing to hydropeaking was assessed. COSH-Tool was applied to the sub-daily flow series to quantify and characterize the rapid fluctuations (with and without an E-flow regime) with the purpose of assessing the impacts on fish habitat. The monthly distribution of peaking events showed a marked seasonal pattern associated with the Mediterranean climate, with most of the rapid fluctuations concentrated during the wet season. A peaking event occurred within three days of the low flow period. Approximately 80% of the 10-year time series returned a zero value of discharge (no power production). The median of the rates of stage (water level change during an increase or decrease of flow divided by the time of that change) resulted in 30.7 and 28.3 cm/h when the E-flow regime was not considered, and the rate of change was 26.3 and 22.4 cm/h when the E-flow regime was considered respectively for rapid increases and decreases. The flow ratio (peak flow divided by base flow) obtained for the E-flow regime was 334.3. Results showed that the hydrologic parameters associated with hydropeaking are attenuated with the E-flow regime. In certain cases, the E-flow regime should be regarded as an alternative mitigation measure for rivers subjected to hydropeaking. [Display omitted] •Only short time scales of flow series can characterize hydropeaking precisely.•Flow ratio and mean rate of flow increase and decrease are attenuated with E-flows.•E-flows can attenuate the hydropeaking effects on the habitat of Iberian barbel.•E-flow regime should be established considering the peaking operation.