DRAFT July, 2009

STANDARDS / MANUALS / GUIDELINES FOR SMALL HYDRO DEVELOPMENT

SPONSOR: MINISTRY OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

INVESTIGATION OF SMALL HYDRO PROJECTS

LEAD ORGANIZATION: ALTERNATE HYDRO ENERGY CENTRE INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, ROORKEE

INVESTIGATION OF SMALL HYDRO PROJECTS

SMALL HYDRO The hydro power installations are normally classified by the output of hydropower station. The main category are Major hydropower schemes, medium hydropower schemes & small hydropower schemes. In India, hydropower schemes up to 25 Mw capacities are termed as small hydropower schemes. Central electricity authority has further sub-classified the small hydro in three subcategories. (i) Micro: Those having output upto 100kw. (ii) Mini: Those having output from 101kw to 2000kw with unit size 1000kw. (iii) Small: Those having output from 2001kw to 25000kw with unit size 5000kw. Small hydro may further be grouped under: (i) Type-1: Run of the river schemes. (ii) Type-2: Schemes on canal falls. (iii) Type-3: Schemes utilizing the existing dam/barrage for water supply. For type 2 & type 3 schemes, the availability of water is well defined. The schemes can therefore be formulated on the basis of water available or water to be released from dam / barrage for the irrigation or for any other purpose for which the dam / barrage was originally constructed. However the field investigations for layout of penstocks, power channel, power house, switchyard, tailrace channel and other appurtenant works will be required, similar to type 1 schemes i.e. run of the river schemes. 1.00 Run of the river schemes: The following field investigations would be essential. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Topographical survey. Geological mapping and exploration. Hydrological and silt data collection. Investigation and identification of construction material sites. Power utilization/ evacuation facility. Access to different components of the scheme.

Object of detailed investigations are: To access the general suitability of site for small hydropower project. To enable adequate & economical design to be prepared. To foresee and provide solution against difficulties that may arise due to ground and other local conditions. Selection of a proper site for project is the first important task which can be done with the help of Survey of India topo sheets and reconnaissance survey of project area. The
AHEC/MNRE/SHP Standards/Investigation of Small Hydro Projects /July 2009

(i) (ii) (iii)

reconnaissance should involve visiting all possible locations which are available for consideration and gathering information relative to each site as is possible without detailed field explorations. The best map available should be obtained in many locations. Preliminary layout of different components of projects should be laid out and the most feasible layout may be selected. Next, detailed field surveys are to be carried out. The run of the schemes are mostly located in hilly terrain at Small River or large nalas. The stability of side slopes are most important considerations for siting different structures. Unstable slopes are to be ignored and sites which are away from slip zones, easily accessible site for men & materials should be given more weightage. 1.1.0 TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS: After selection of suitable site, detailed surveys are required to be carried out. A survey of India bench marks should be located and based on this survey of India bench mark a project bench mark should be installed in the project area. This is very-very important for the successful completion of project as well as to the life of project. Surveys for different components of project as detailed below are to be carried out. TABLE-1.1: Topographical Surveys for run of the river schemes
S.No. 1. Feature L-section along the Stream Survey Requirement Bed level of the stream along its center line from 5 km upstream of diversion structure to 2 km downstream of confluence of tailrace. (1) Contour plan to cover all components of the project extending from 2 km upstream of diversion Structure to 1 km downstream of confluence of tailrace with the river. (2) River cross sections at 200 m interval to cover both banks well above the highest flood marks and include water conductor for the Scale 1:10000 Contour Interval _ Additional Requirement (i) Date of survey (ii) Water levels on date of survey along the stream

2.

General layout

1:10000

5m _

1:500

The following information to be included: (i) Date of survey (ii)Water level on date of survey (iii)Max. observed HFL on the basis of flood marks.

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reach where it is close to the river. (3) Access road. 3. Diversion Structure (1) Contour plan to cover reach 50 m upstream to 50 m down stream of the proposed structure and extend at least 10 m above anticipated highest Flood level. (2) 3 cross section,1 along the axis and 2 on either side i.e.Upstream and downstream of the axis. (1) Contour plan along water conductor alignment extending 20 m towards the hill side and 10m towards the valley side. (2) L section along the alignment of water conductor. (3) Cross section along the water conductor at 100 m intervals and at locations where nalas are intercepted as also at locations where topography change abruptly. (4) Three cross section of the nalas one on the alignment and one each on either side of the alignment. (5) L section along nalas 100 m on either side of water conductor.

1:10000 1:200

5m 2m

_ _

1:200

The following to be include (i) Date of survey (ii) Water level on the date of survey (iii) Max. Observed HFL on the basis of flood marks. _

4.

Water conductor system

1:500

5m

1:500

1:500

1:500

The following information to be include : (i) Date of survey (ii) Water level on date of

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5.

Forebay

6.

Penstock

(6) Contour plan to cover sufficient area of the nalas and its bank . (1) Contour plan to cover entire area of forebay including its vicinity. (2) Longitudinal section and 2-3 cross section. (1)Contour plan extending 20 m either side of the alignment. (2)L sections along penstock alignment. (3) Cross-section at 100m intervals along alignment and at anchor block locations.

1:200

survey (iii) HFL based on flood marks to be indicated. _

1:500

2m

1:500

1:500

2m

1:500

2m

1:500

2m

7.

Powerhouse

(1) Contour plan to cover sufficient area to include different alternative layouts of powerhouse and switchyard and tailrace channel up to its confluence with the river. (2) L sections along the powerhouse and tailrace channel upto its confluence with the river.

1:200

2m

1:200

(3) Access road to powerhouse.

1:200

2m

The following information to be included: (i) Date of survey. (ii) Water level at the point of confluence of the tailrace with the river on the data of survey. (iii) Max. observed HFL on the basis of flood marks. -

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1.1.2 For schemes on canal falls detailed field surveys are to be carried out after an initial reconnaissance survey when information needs to be collected about the topographical features and constraints for locating the bypass channel and powerhouse adjacent to the fall structure. After a study of these particulars the alignment should be identified in the first instance. Detailed field survey is to be carried out for the identified alignment and location, covering sufficient area to examine all possible shifts in locations to arrive at an optimum alignment and positioning of structures. The scale and particulars of the survey are included in table 1.1.2 below.
TABLE-1.1.2 Topographical Surveys for schemes on canal falls S.No. Feature Survey Requirement Scale Contour Interval 2m Additional Requirement Approach road routing to intake and powerhouse switchyard locations to be included. Longitudinal section to include canal and inlet area. -

1.

General layout

(1) Contour plan (2) Longitudinal section

1:1000 1:1000

2.

Intake of the canal

(1) Contour plan (2) Longitudinal section and 2 cross-section (1) Contour plan (2) Longitudinal section and cross-sections. (1) contour Plan (2) Longitudinal section and 2 cross-sections. (1) Contour plan (2) Longitudinal section and crossSections.

1:200 1:200

2m

Widened canal bypass canal Powerhouse and switchyard Tailrace

1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200

2m

2m

2m

Outfall into canal

(1) Contour Plan (2) Longitudinal section and 2 cross-sections.

1:200 1:200

2m

Longitudinal section to include outfall area (connecting to the canal) Longitudinal section to include canal and outlet area.

1.1.3

For Powerhouse located downstream of an existing Dam/Barrage detailed field survey will be carried out after initial reconnaissance survey when the alignment of the water conductor system and the location of the powerhouse, tailrace and switchyard are

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identified taking into account topographical constraints. Detailed topographical survey shall be carried out for the identified alignment and locations. The survey shall cover sufficient area to enable examination of all possible shifts in alignment and locations to arrive at an optimum alignment and positioning of structures. Accurate drawings of existing structures which are linked with the planned small hydroelectric scheme should be obtained and used for necessary co-ordination. The scale and particulars of the survey are indicated in table 1.1.3 below TABLE-1.1.3 Topographical Surveys for Powerhouse located downstream

of an existing Dam/Barrage
S.No. Feature Survey Requirement Scale Contour Additional Interval Requirement 2m Approach road routing to intake and powerhouse and switchyard to be included. -

1.

General layout

(1) Contour plan. (2) Longitudinal section.

1:1000 1:1000

2.

Intake area

Water conductor

(1) Contour plan. (2) Longitudinal section and cross-section. (1) Contour plan (2) Longitudinal section and cross-section.

1:200 1:1000 1:200 1:200

2m

2m
(2m in flat terrain or 5m in hilly terrain)

Powerhouse and switchyard Tailrace

Outfall from tailrace

(1) Contour plan. (2) Longitudinal section and cross-section. (1) Contour plan. (2) Longitudinal section and cross-section. (1) Contour plan. (2) Longitudinal section and cross-section.

1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200 1:200

2m

2m

2m

2.0 GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS:

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Small hydro electric schemes involve comparatively small size structure as compared to major hydroelectric schemes. Exploration by trial pits or trenches for various features is sufficient to meet the requirement, for small dams and tunnels. A judicious & careful geological assessment with limited geological exploration is essential for electing appropriate alignment and siting the various structures of the scheme. A reconnaissance survey of the alignment shall be carried out for obtaining a general idea of the regional & localized geology to identify the problem areas to firm up the layout. The problem areas should be studied from geotechnical aspects and layout firmed up with necessary modifications. 2.1 DIVERSION STRUCTURE: Geological explorations to be conducted with trial pits as close to deepest bed level as possible & two trial pits on each bank. One of three locations should be at proposed intake structure. Geological assessment of abutment conditions and the hill slopes of the abutment with a geological section indicating the dip & strike direction shall be made. This will be helpful in assessing the stability of the hill slopes of excavated abutment. 2.2 WATER CONDUCTOR SYSTEM: A few trial pits along the alignment at every 500m, which should include vulnerable reaches should be taken for the geological assessment of the foundation strata as also permeability & other subsidence characteristics. Slope stability of excavated hill slopes for laying water conductor system is very impartment. For this a geological sections should be developed by surface observations at 200m. Interval including at vulnerable / critical locations. If water conductor system comprises of tunnel reach, in addition to a geological section along the alignment, more detailed information on the nature of & classification of rock mass, joint patterns encountered along the alignment, the strike & dip pattern needs to be collected with identification of reaches of shear zone and rock classification. The inlet & outlet portal of tunnel needs to be investigated for stability of excavated slope . 2.3 FOREBAY: A trial pit at the location of forebay shall be taken to assess the foundation strata. The hill slope behind & below forebay may be assessed for stability. The foundation strata shall be assessed for permeability characteristics. 2.4 PENSTOCKS: Penstock slope shall be investigated for slope stability by developing a geological section on the basis of reconnaissance survey on the alignment. Foundation strata at anchor block and saddle locations shall be assessed by trial pits at representative locations.

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2.5 POWERHOUSE: Foundations strata at powerhouse shall be assessed by trial pits. Powerhouse excavation slopes shall be assessed for slope stability by developing geological sections on the basis of reconnaissance survey by the geologist.

2.5.1 Type 2: Schemes on canal falls.

The stability of excavated slopes for intake channel and tailrace channel/bypass channel and powerhouse needs to be investigated by developing geological section and/or study of soil characteristics and ground water conditions. The foundation strata of the powerhouse, inlet and outlet structures shall be investigated by trial pits.

2.5.2 Type 3 : Powerhouse located downstream of an existing dam/ barrage.

The stability of water conductor system shall be ascertained by geological sections as in case of type 1. In case water conductor system comprises a tunnel a geological section along the tunnel alignment is to be developed as suggested for the tunnel reach of type 1 .The assessment has also to be based on borehole logging data at the inlet portal, exit portal and reaches of low rock cover. Powerhouse foundation needs to be investigated by either trial pits or by bore holes where warranted. Geological assessment for approach channel and tail race needs to be made.

Requirement of Geological Field Investigations

It is desirable that a geological assessment of the geological features at the various locations of the scheme is made through a site visit by a well experienced geologist in consultation with the design engineers regarding technical aspects. The requirement of geological field investigations are as below.

Table 2.1: Geological Field Investigation (Type-1) S.No. 1 No. of trial Location of trial pits/borehole pits Diversion structure (i) conventional Trial pits 3 One trial pit at weir/trench nos. middle and two weir trial pits, one each on either (ii) Low dam abutment end. Borehole 3 One borehole at nos. middle and one borehole at intake location. Water Conductor (i) Surface Trial pits 3-5 Trial pits at every Structure Depth of trial pits 1.5 -2 m Additional requirement Geological assessment of stability of rock slope on either abutment ----

Up to foundation level of dam 1.5-2 m

Geological assessment 8

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nos.

500m. c/c and at critical locations.

(ii) Tunnel

Borehole 3 nos.

Forebay

Trial pits 2 nos.

Penstock

Trial pits 2 nos.

5 6

Powerhouse Tailrace

Trial pits 1 no. Trial pits 1 no.

Intake portal 1 Up to no. tunnel Outlet portal 1 grade no. Low cover reach 1 no. One trial pit in 1.5 2 m forebay area and another trial pit at penstock intake location. Along the 1.5 2 m alignment of penstock preferably at another block locations. Powerhouse area 1.5 2 m Along the alignment 1.5 2 m

of stability of rock slopes along the alignment reach-wise. (1) Delineation of shear zone (2) Geological assessment along alignment (3) Geophysical assessment Geological assessment of rock slope on hill side of forebay.

Geological assessment of penstock slope.

Geological assessment of excavation slope. Geological assessment of excavation slope.

Table 2.2 : Geological Field Investigation (Type-2) S.No. Structure No. of trial pits 4 Location of trial pits Depth of trial pits 1.5 -2 m Additional requirement Geological assessment of stability of excavation slopes.

Water Conductor

Powerhouse

(1) At inlet 1 no. (2) Upstream of powerhouse - 1 no. (3) Downstream of powerhouse 1 no. (4) At outlet 1 no. Powerhouse area.

1.5-2 m

Geological assessment of excavation slopes and powerhouse foundation grade.

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Table 2.3: Geological field investigation (Type-3) S.No. 1 Structure Intake No. of trial pits Borehole1no. Location of trial pits Intake area Depth of trial pits Upto foundation level of structure 1.5m to 2m Additional requirement Geological assessment of stability of excavation slopes. Geological assessment of the area.

Approach channel Water conductor (a) Open

1no.

Approach channel location.

Trial Pits-23no.

Along alignment

1.5m to 2m

(b) Tunnel

Borehole3no.

Power house

Trial Pit1no.

(1) Intake portal-1no. (2) Outlet portal-1no. (3) Low cover reach1no. Powerhouse area

Delineation of shear zones upto tunnel grade 1.5 to 2m

Geological assessment of stability of excavation slopes Geological assessment along alignment. Geological assessment of stability of excavation slopes and powerhouse foundation grade. Geological assessment of excavation slopes. (1) Geological assessment along alignment. (2) Delineation of shear zones.

Tailrace (a) Open

Trial Pit1.3no. Borehole3no.

Along alignment

1.5 to 2m

(b) Tunnel

At portal, along alignment and at low cover reach.

Upto tunnel grade

Subsurface Explorations are also required if tunneling is involved.Generally for major and medium hydroelectric projects this aspect is important but for small hydro the need is rare.For small hydro projects drilling and drifting gives a fare idea of subsurface geology. 3.0 HYDROLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS:

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Acquiring a set of reliable hydrological data for a reasonable length of time for assessing the pattern of stream flow at different times in representative years, good as well bad ,is the most essential requirement for a dependable formulation of a hydroelectric project, be a big or small. Besides the pattern of stream flows, other Hydrologic inputs required for the design of project components are design flood, water quality and sediment transportation. The hydrological data cannot be acquired by just visiting the site for carrying out discharge measurements for a short while. It is necessary to acquire the long duration data. It is necessary first to collect the minimum essential hydrological data and secondly, make analysis to establish a reliable flow quantity and other hydrological inputs. 3.1 DATA REQUIREMENT The following data are required for a project. (a) Rainfall and snowfall (b) Climatological parameters like temperature, humidity, wind and cloudiness. (c) River gauges and discharges. (d) Past flood discharges. (e) Sediment load. (f) Water quality. The rainfall, snowfall and other climatological data are available with the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Most of the major rivers and their tributaries are being continuously gauged by the state governments and central water commission. Such gauging includes water levels, discharges, flood discharges and sediment samples. However such data is normally not available in respect of small hydro projects located on small streams. The streams across which small hydroelectric schemes are proposed, lack in most cases any measured stream flow data. The entire catchment may not have even a single rain gauge station. In such situation, there is need for establishing a gauging station near about the proposed project site. The discharge measurements should preferably cover a minimum period of two lean seasons and one flood season. A period of two years is too short for assessing a long term flow series but, the small hydro electric schemes are meant to be taken up for quickly deriving benefits without waiting for long period and without investing much capital so as to prove most economical project in limited capital. Discharge measureing techniques: For discharge measurement the following techniques are employed. Bureau of Indian Standards(BIS) are available for detailed guidance. (i) Notches, weirs and flumes. BIS no. 1193-1959 (ii) Velocity area method. BIS no. 1192-1959 (iii) Slope area method. BIS NO. 2912-1964 (iv) Stream gauging CWPRS manual for stream gauging. Discharge measuring instruments: The measuring instruments comprises of rectangular or a v- notch, flumes, gauges, floats, current meters, stop watches etc. While using current meters, care should be taken that the current meter is properly calibrated from a reliable institution. Current meters are calibrated by CWPRS Pune, IRI Roorkee and in some Engineering institutions. The accuracy of measurement is totally based on the calibration chart of a particular current meter. Simultaneous with river gauging, the rain gauge (s) should be installed, if there is no rain gauge in the project catchment.
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Along with river discharges, the samples of silt in river during monsoon flows should be collected. 3.2 WATER AVAILABILITY The water availability is the basic hydrological input for assessing power potential and energy generation. A great care is needed to assess river flows as accurately as possible. Depending on the type and length of data, technique of water assessment would be applied to get best possible and most dependable water availability. The spillway of diversion structure is designed to pass safely a predetermined flood discharge 3.3 DESIGN FLOOD LEVEL Design flood level are computed for the intake and power house site for providing necessary protection works if necessary. 3.4 SEDIMENTATION The generation unit may suffer heavily due to damage of underwater components on account of highly erosive action of silt water. Besides damaging runners and guide vanes, the erosive action of silt causes operation and maintenance problems. The small diversion structure without storage, divert silt laden water into the water conductor. Some of the silt would get removed through trash racks and desilting arrangement provided before the fore bay. A desilting chamber is generally constructed to minimize the silt load 4.0 CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL SURVEY:

Availability of required quantity & quality construction material like aggregate, boulders, sand for construction works and its location shall be surveyed in project area or nearby area. Material testing laboratory shall be required for testing the quality of material which may have to be established or samples may be sent for testing to some nearby reliable laboratory. 5.0 SURVEY FOR EVACUATING POWER: The following survey shall be carried out: (iv) Present position of power supply in the region, system loads, load factor, unit generated per kw installed capacity. (v) Detailes of major loads to be served, energy demand etc. (vi) A plan showing the proposal for evacuation of power. (vii) Study of near by grid substation where power is likely to be fed. 6.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATION:

A careful evaluation of impact of proposed scheme on the environment shall be carried out and necessary measures to be planned well in advance to mitigate the adverse effect. Major hydroelectric projects are being considered as potential threat to the environment. Tehri , Sardar Sarover and other so many projects are the glaring example.
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Projects are being throttled either by delaying environmental clearance or by imposing unreasonable conditions in terms of environmental cost. Environment specialists however seem somewhat inclined towards small hydro perhaps with a feeling that impacts of small hydro projects are going to be smaller which can be mitigated easily. Small hydro is favorable due to the following. (i) Lesser submergence. (ii) Lesser requirement of land including forest land. (iii) Least impact on flora and fauna (both aquatic and terrestrial) (iv) Less possibility of community displacement. (v) No environment pollution. Following surveys would be required. (i) Area to be used for project construction, staff colony and resettlement of local population. (ii) Area of submergence. (iii) Details of families likely to be displaced, numbers. of SC/ST families, their trade and scheme of their rehabilitation. (iv) Social/ cultural/religious compensation. (v) If any important mineral resources to be lost, if so its magnitude and estimated loss. (vi) If any monument/site of cultural, historical, religious or archaeological importance fall in project area if so, plan of relocation. (vii) Any rare endangered species of flora and fauna in the project area and measures to salvage/rehabilitate them. (viii) Wild life if affected. (ix) Potential loss to aquatic life such as fish, impact to their migratory behavior. (x) Expected loss to trees and to make up the loss, identification of land for plantation. (xi) Arrangement to meet fuel requirement of labour force during construction and afterwards. (xii) Arrangement for restoration of land in construction area.

7.0 SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEY The following information will be collected. (i) Area of land required for physical components of project. (ii) Type of land i.e. agricultural, residential, details of crop, vegetation etc. (iii) Ownership of land i.e. government, private, traditional population, encumbrances details etc. (iv) Current land use in proposed area and surroundings. (v) Possible land use change expected after project implimentation. (vi) Possible strategy for procurement of land i.e. government lease, direct purchase, negotiated settlement or compulsory acquisition etc., Detailed description of area falling under each category (vii) Name of the people and families affected( details as necessary)
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(a) Including those loosing home and livelihood. (b) Those deriving benefits (employment, electricity etc) from the project. (c) Those adversely affected by imposition of an external population on local cultures (i.e. women, tribals) (viii) Assessment of positive and negative impact. (ix) Assessment of cultural impact on population due to land acquisition for project. (x) Assessment of need for rehabilitation and resettlement implementation. (xi) Study of national and state legal frame work existing, the relevant provisions and applicability for the specific case as identified above. (xii) Entitlement calculations for payment of compensation for various losses or replacement values. (xiii) Existing and proposed mechanisms/ efforts for public consultations and disclosures of information/ statutory requirement, if any for above. (ix) Expected public participation during the project implementation. (xv)Grievances redressal mechanism legally available as well as socially acceptable. (xvi) Remedies available through Lok Adalats, Village Pachayats,NGOs etc. (xvii) Manpower locally available. 8.0 ACCESS TO THE DIFFERENT COMPONENT OF SCHEME On the topographic plan, layout of existing roads shall be marked. The requirement of the new approach roads, bridges, culverts, shall be assessed for smooth construction work & later on maintenance of works.

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