Effects of sediment released during open-cut pipeline water crossings

Abstract

A review of studies examining the effects of open-cut pipeline water crossings over the past 25 years was undertaken. Most of these studies indicate that sediment released during instream construction can cause short-term changes to downstream aquaticlife and their habitats. Identified effects include alterations to streambed conditions; reductions in the abundance and diversityof benthic invertebrate communities; and reductions in the abundance of fish populations. Effects are typically non-residual, and recovery to post-construction conditions is usually evident within a year. In the immediate vicinity of some crossings, water crossing construction improved streambed conditions and benthic invertebrate productivity. The understanding and management of pipeline water crossing construction effects could be improved through future research into the effectiveness of alternate crossing techniques to minimize downstream sediment loading, the sublethal effects of released sediment on fish and the effects of released sediment on warm water fish communities. © 1999 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.