An Environmental Impact Assessment of the Minab Esteghlal Dam Using the Analytical Heirarchy Process

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Abstract

Minab Esteghlal Dam which is located in kilometers 4, east of Minab town, was operated in 1362. The proposed functions of the dam were supplying domestic water to the cities of Minab and Bandar Abbas, irrigation water to the command area, water for industrial complexes, the artificial recharge of groundwater, and flood mitigation. This study was implemented to assess Physico- chemical impact of the dam on the regional environment. In addition to the field survey, water sample were collected at the entrance of the Minab River to the reservoir and at the water treatment plant. The samples were analyzed for TDS, COD, EC, BOD5, DO, SAR, pH and the sum of anions and cations. The AHP was utilized to assess the effects of different factors that deeply affect the environment. As the watershed, particularly the mountains surrounding the reservoir, mainly consist of highly erodible calcareous-marls, thus causing accelerated sedimentation of the reservoir and turbidity of the water, geology physiography attained the first (0.324) and 2nd (0.147) ranking. Annual rainfall and its shortage (102.9 mm mean annual rainfall during the 1999-2004 periods) attained the 3nd ranking (0.068). The detailed ranking of other factors are described in the article. A few vital guidelines for the operation and maintenance the reservoir are presented in the conclusion section