Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity

Key words GIS; hydrological models; recharge estimation; VISUAL-BALAN; water balance
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity, Quality and Climate Variability (Proceedings of the Fourth InterCeltic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, Guimarães, Portugal, July 2005). IAHS Publ. 310, 2007, 267-276.
Application of Artificial Neural Networks for river flow simulation in three French catchments

MONOMOY GOSWAMI & KIERAN M. O’CONNOR
Department of Engineering Hydrology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland

[e-mail]
Abstract For more than a decade, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have been increasingly used in hydrology as flexible black-box models of non-linear type. Within this category of models, the “multi-layer feed-forward network” used in this study consists of an input layer, an output layer, and one “hidden” layer in between. The model is applied to daily data of three catchments, all located in northwest France, for river flow simulation and forecasting and its performance is compared with those of five system-theoretic models and one conceptual model. The ANN is observed to be the best performing individual model for the catchments tested. In the subsequent application of the Neural Network Method (NNM) for combining the outputs of the individual models, in different combinations, i.e. in a “multi-model approach” for deriving consensus forecasts, the NNM (as one of three Model Output Combination Techniques (MOCTs) considered) is found to be the best performing MOCT and also better than the best individual model. The Galway Flow Modelling and Forecasting System (GFMFS), a software package developed by the present authors, is used in the study.

Key words black-box models; hidden layer; multi-model approach; Neural Networks
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity, Quality and Climate Variability (Proceedings of the Fourth InterCeltic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, Guimarães, Portugal, July 2005). IAHS Publ. 310, 2007, 277-288.
Mathematical modelling of salt water intrusion in a northern Portuguese estuary

JOSÉ L. S. PINHO & JOSÉ M. P. VIEIRA

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minho, 4704-533, Braga, Portugal

[e-mail]
Abstract Salinity intrusion is a key issue for estuarine water quality management. Aquatic ecosystem sustainability is highly dependent on salinity concentration dynamics and must be studied for each particular environment. Salinity intrusion into the estuary of the River Lima, in the northwestern region of the Iberian Peninsula, was studied based on a two-dimensional hydrodynamic and mass transport model. Tide heights and river discharges are the major causes affecting salinity intrusion, and have been analysed by means of estuarine circulation simulation for different scenarios. The upstream propagation of the salinity front under unfavourable conditions reaches a river section located at about 12 km upstream of the river mouth. The model developed constitutes a powerful tool for evaluation of the salinity intrusion pattern in the River Lima estuary, and an auxiliary instrument for decision making in river basin water management.

Key words hydrodynamics; mathematical modelling; salt intrusion
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity, Quality and Climate Variability (Proceedings of the Fourth InterCeltic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, Guimarães, Portugal, July 2005). IAHS Publ. 310, 2007, 291-297.
Cycleau; integrating research and decision-making for whole river basin management

LOVEDAY JENKIN & DAVID WATKINS

Cornwall County Council, Natural Environment Service, St Clement Building, Old County Hall, Truro, Cornwall TR1 3AY, UK

[e-mail]
Abstract The Cycleau project is a large and complex EU-funded project that links regions in Britain, Ireland and France with similar environmental and social issues. It aims to develop a more holistic, generic approach and methodology to whole catchment management by promoting understanding of issues affecting the whole river basin and estuary, and working in partnership with all stakeholders to plan and deliver environmental improvements. It will collate quantitative information from a variety of sources and at a variety of scales in order to inform decision-making within catchments. The first step is to interpret and present scientific data in order to inform the community and management of the area. The achievement of long-term sustainable outputs as outlined in the Water Framework Directive will require an integrated approach to presentation of scientific data and true partnership-working to involve the whole community in the decision-making process. Several examples of demonstration projects in Cornwall are presented.

Key words catchment management; decision making; Fal; Fowey; habitats; Helford; physical processes; pollution; Red River; water framework directive
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity, Quality and Climate Variability (Proceedings of the Fourth InterCeltic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, Guimarães, Portugal, July 2005). IAHS Publ. 310, 2007, 298-306.
Methodologies for pollution risk assessment of water resources systems

CATARINA DIAMANTINO, MARIA JOSÉ HENRIQUES,
MANUEL M. OLIVEIRA & JOÃO PAULO LOBO FERREIRA

Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC), Hydraulics and Environment Department (DHA), Groundwater Division (NAS), Av. do Brasil, 101, 1700-066 Lisboa, Portugal

[e-mail]
Abstract Water resources systems (both surface water and groundwater resources) are subject to different anthropogenic pollution impacts. Their intrinsic characteristics to better support pollution impacts or their intrinsic vulnerability to pollution, may or may not allow them to resist pollution accidents of different types. The assessment of water resources systems vulnerability to pollution is therefore not only important per se, but is also relevant for drawing pollution risk maps. In this paper a brief approach for the assessment of recently developed methodologies for risk assessment of water resources systems to pollution is presented. Some of the methodologies were applied in the Jiang Su Province case-study area (PR China). That application required the GIS mapping of several parameters that were considered to influence vulnerability and risk. The expected influence of those factors is integrated using indexes. The final results enable the mapping of risk of surface and groundwater resources.

Key words groundwater; risk assessment; surface water; vulnerability; Zhangji
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity, Quality and Climate Variability (Proceedings of the Fourth InterCeltic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, Guimarães, Portugal, July 2005). IAHS Publ. 310, 2007, 307-319.
The environmental impact and risks associated with changes in fluvial morphodynamic processes

JOSÉ SIMÃO ANTUNES DO CARMO

IMAR – University of Coimbra, Department of Civil Engineering, Pólo II of the University, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal

[e-mail]
Abstract The dynamics of the inter-relationship between the various elements that constitute a hydrographic basin involve cause–effect relationships that can lead to constant alterations in fluvial dynamics. The combination of elements such as morphology, altimetry and structural controls in a fluvial network enable a specific longitudinal profile to develop, which is dynamic and constantly in search of an equilibrium between the rates of water discharge, erosion and transport. Human activities carried out on a stretch of a river may alter this balance in different ways and with differing levels of intensity. Whenever the characteristics and natural evolution of a river are altered as a result of human intervention, this has an environmental impact. In other words, it is understood that differences can be observed between any present situation that is the result of the evolution of an environment after human intervention, and the natural situation that would have existed if this type of intervention had not taken place, taking into account our previous knowledge of the situation. This paper provides a description of the nature and distribution of the direct and indirect types of impact arising out of the building and operating of large dams, as well as some specific points that should be taken into consideration. It also reflects on the way in which the problem of extracting inert material from water environments has been dealt with in Portugal and offers a brief technical contribution which, although qualitative, provides a basic record and explanation of the consequences of significant interventions in water environments that have not been properly assessed or have not taken other mitigating circumstances into consideration.

Key words dams; environmental impact; extraction of inert material; morphodynamic processes; risks
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity, Quality and Climate Variability (Proceedings of the Fourth InterCeltic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, Guimarães, Portugal, July 2005). IAHS Publ. 310, 2007, 320-326.
Application of RIAM to the Environmental Impact Assessment of hydroelectric installations

Paulo S. F. de Araújo & Naim Haie

Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minho, Azurém, P-4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

[e-mail]
Abstract This paper evaluates an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM). It analyses and presents the numerous parameters and alternatives of an EIA in a structured, friendly and transparent environment. It considers all four components: physical/chemical, biological/ecological, social/cultural, economic/opera­tional. These are then evaluated using universal criteria common to all impact consideration. Figures and tables made comparisons much easier. This Matrix was applied to the EIA of the future Vale de Madeira Hydroelectric Installation that will be situated on the River Côa of the Douro River basin in the Municipalities of Pinhel and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, north of Portugal. It will be shown that such a project will be positive economically, but otherwise negative (as related to the other three components evaluated in RIAM).

Key words Côa River; Environmental Impact Assessment; RIAM
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity, Quality and Climate Variability (Proceedings of the Fourth InterCeltic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, Guimarães, Portugal, July 2005). IAHS Publ. 310, 2007, 327-337.
Quality assurance for hydrometric network data as a basis for integrated river basin management

frank schlaeger¹, Michael Natschke¹ & Daniel Witham²
1 Kisters AG, Charlottenburger Allee 5, 52068 Aachen, Germany

[e-mail]

2 Kisters AG, 28 Denton Road, Ilkley West Yorkshire LS29 0AA, UK
Abstract Hydrological network data is increasingly demanded by hydrolo­gists, engineers, decision makers and the general public. This means for hydrologists, that they have to process the raw data into quality controlled information in an efficient way. The hydrological information system WISKI offers a broad range of standardized quality assurance procedures to fulfil these requirements.

Key words data quality assurance; hydrometric network; information system
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity, Quality and Climate Variability (Proceedings of the Fourth InterCeltic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, Guimarães, Portugal, July 2005). IAHS Publ. 310, 2007, 338-347.
Impact of road runoff in soil and groundwater: Portuguese and other European case-studies

Teresa E. LEITÃO

National Laboratory for Civil Engineering Groundwater Division of DHA/LNEC, Av. do Brasil, 101,
P-1700-066 Lisboa, Portugal

[e-mail]
Abstract Road traffic circulation produces compounds that pollute the environment. The level and type of emissions depend on several technical aspects related to road design and vehicle engine (size, type of fuel used), as well as to operational factors that are related to the way that the vehicle is used. The compounds emitted come from fuel combustion, corrosion of vehicle compartments, road accessories (e.g. lateral crash barriers), degrada­tion, road degradation, maintenance procedures (application of chemicals), leakage, and accidents. In this paper a synthesis of soil and groundwater pollution by heavy metals in the vicinity of roads is presented. The results are based on data collected by LNEC, as well as other data gathered in published papers, summing more than three dozen case studies in 10 different European countries. The objective of this analysis was to compile as much information as possible about road pollution by heavy metals in soil and groundwater in order to provide a general overview for Europe of the effective degree and extension of road pollution, independent of the different conditions specific to each study area.

Key words European case-studies; groundwater; road pollution; soil
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity, Quality and Climate Variability (Proceedings of the Fourth InterCeltic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, Guimarães, Portugal, July 2005). IAHS Publ. 310, 2007, 348-353.
1A suggested approach to effective water resource management using the Umgeni resource system as a test case

Anthony J. Tollow

Durban Institute of Technology—University of Technology, Box 684, Kloof 3640, KZNatal, South Africa

[e-mail], [e-mail]
Abstract A method of operating a water resources system effectively both during extreme conditions and during average conditions is to be desired. This may be achieved using the “control band” approach. When shortages occur there may need to be a policy for reducing long-term consumption by employing increasing restrictions on the amount of water that may be used. There may also be a need to reduce long-term consumption too, especially where resources appear to be becoming more limited. However, there is a need to prove the efficiency of the proposal. This may be achieved by developing a “credibility” index. Alternatives require the analysis of risk, reliability and vulnerability of the system under the proposed method of operation both initially and when the system is being used in the field. This would help to justify the method adopted.

Key words alternative approach; effective water resources management; “control bands”; credibility; reliability; sustainability; verification

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________Water in Celtic Countries: Quantity, Quality and Climate Variability (Proceedings of the Fourth InterCeltic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, Guimarães, Portugal, July 2005). IAHS Publ. 310, 2007, 354-356.
Post face

1Reasons for InterCeltic colloquiums on hydrology and management of water resources

After a very successful Fourth Colloquium in Portugal inspired by João Paulo Lobo Ferreira, as a result of the concept thought out by Pierre Hubert, Secretary to IAHS and Alain Jigorel of INSA who organized its triumphant launch at Rennes in 1996, we look forward to the Fifth Colloquium in Dundee in 2008. The idea of bringing the Celtic World into focus has enabled the InterCeltic Colloquia to be held in Brittany (Rennes), Wales (Aberystwyth), Ireland (Galway) and now Portugal (Guimarães). This brings together many Celts, as both English and French speaking participants. Often the conferences are joined by many other Nationalities. An international conference is brought to regions which might not normally host a major IAHS or IUGG Symposium because of their more limited facilities and challenging travel arrangements. In addition, it also allows researchers and students to present at international conferences in either English or French. It is a magnificent platform of common communication as Celts which encourages contact between English and French researchers that might otherwise not occur. The papers are always of a very high standard and the local participants meet others from the Hydrological World, which is of eventual benefit to their participation in larger international gatherings. In the past the younger researchers and students would have been restricted to local or national conferences, where only the languages of the country are used.
Because of the conference’s size it is possible to have single sessions so there is no need to choose which session to attend. This allows researchers to look beyond their inevitably narrow fields and to see what is being achieved elsewhere, which is to the mutual benefit of all. The cultural side of the conference is not forgotten but this may be combined with technical visits to give an added interest. Certainly one can combine culture and hydrology very conveniently within the normal conference activities. As someone who has presented at all the InterCeltic Colloquia, I have always found the standard of the papers very high. It has been worth me travelling all the way from South Africa to participate—and it is not so difficult to penetrate the Celtic World. Dundee may be a little more challenging but I have found a convenient airport with connections to the rest of the world. At the first conference in Brittany there were instantaneous translations in English and French, while at the later conferences often the French participants have presented in French with English PowerPoint presentations, which has helped the non French speakers.
It is very enjoyable to be off the usual conference circuit. Guimarães is outstanding as a walled city and World Heritage site. The conference allows much to be seen of the local area, such as cross-sections of Brittany, Aberystwyth, and the outstanding “Turlochs”—ephemeral lochs of the area south of Galway. It is also good to hear the Celtic languages spoken, although I personally am relieved when an English translation is provided, but then my opportunities for communicating in French are equally limited. A three year cycle for these conferences seems to also fit in well with other IAHS activities. I always look forward to sampling the cultural and culinary delights of the region. In Brittany there was a Celtic Evening, in Aberystwyth, a 60 strong male voice choir, in Galway a harpist, in Guimarães, in the Palace of the Duques de Bragança, the university students and Professor of Civil Engineering gave us “Fado”. In Portugal a staple diet of 365 ways of preparing “cod” was very informative and enjoyable. I also enjoyed the seafood in Galway. In Dundee will it be whiskey, thick cut Dundee marmalade, and smokies (smoked herring)? I am already thinking of a suitable “Celtic” paper. The challenge has been passed to Dundee for early July 2008. “Lang may your lummies reek”.


Anthony J. Tollow ¹

Durban Institute of Technology, University of Technology,
Box 684, Kloof 3640, KZNatal, South Africa

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