Decision Support System Steps

See Decision support system for general information about the DSS.

Step 1 - HPP Characterization & Risk Identification

Decision Framework

The objective of the first step of the planning and decision framework is to characterize the HPP (existing or proposed) in terms of its design (general layout, scale, turbine type, mode of operation), then identify and score the inherent risks posed by the type and size of scheme in relation to its context. There are three tasks in this process, the first task characterizes the HPP in terms of its location, design and operation, the second task is to identify the species/populations at risk and the third task is to identify and risk assess the key hazards associated with the scheme.

Conceptual flow diagram of Step 1 of the proposed Decision Support System Framework - Pre-screening characterization and risk identification. Grey = outputs/inputs to/from steps; blue = tasks; White = FIThydro inputs and matrices; Green = final output/objective.

Web-tool implementation

Step 1 in the tool comprises a questionnaire and hazard-scoring template to identify the key hazards posed by a specific HPP and the species of fish likely to be affected. The FIThydro DSS tool identifies the risk posed by a hazard as the combination of the hazard score (the nature and effect of the hazard) in combination with the sensitivity of the species that are affected. As such the risk scoring of a hazard is completed within a 2D matrix to determine the risk profile and assign summary risk classes to each relevant hazard. The risk score for each hazard and species combination is determined using a cross-tab lookup table from the Hazard risk class (named the hazard rating) and species sensitivity class (sensitivity to additional mortality caused by hydropower).

FIThydro DSS Risk Profile – Hazard Scoring screen, indicating the identified hazard classes applicable to the HPP and the scoring template used for one of the hazard classes.