Use of decision support systems to improve dam planning and dam ...

Two types of decision (i.e., for planning and operation) are shown in the left column. These generally
conform to: a) the strategic assessment and project preparation and b) the project implementation and
project operation phases of the project cycle (IHA 2009a), respectively. Table 4.1 provides an overview of the
decision making processes to which DSSs can contribute at the different stages of the decision making cycle.
Table 4.1 Examples of processes to which DSSs can contribute at different stages of the decision making cycle.
Planning DSSs Operational DSSs
Strategic assessment Project preparation Project
implementation
Project operation
• Water and
energy needs
assessment
• Basin master
plan
• Strategic
environmental
assessment
• Life cycle
analyses of
different options
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• Comprehensive
options assessment
• Environmental
and health impact
assessment
• Social impact
assessment
• Economic/financial
viability assessment
• Dam design
and plans for
operation
• Development of
environmental,
health and social
management
plans
• Dam operating rules
and protocols
• Implementation
of environmental,
health and social
management plans
The framework conceptualizes the decision making process stepping through four major sets of activities:
technical, stakeholder, political and management (second column on left). None of these four sets of
activities is exclusive to the particular group which is used to designate it, but each is seen as the dominant
“actor” at that particular stage in the project cycle. At each stage, the decision makers and their information
requirements vary. For example, decisions about whether or not a dam should be built usually reside with
politicians whilst decisions on day-to-day operation (requiring very different information) will be made by
the dam operator.
4.3 Planning
The decision making process is initiated by a needs assessment. In relation to dams this relates primarily
to likely future demands for water and/or energy services across a range of stakeholders. Following a needs
assessment a range of options should be considered for fulfilling the demands. An options assessment
comprises the collation and evaluation of all possible alternatives to meet the defined needs. In assessing
options it is important that not only future demands but also the wider development objectives of a country
or region are taken into account. Consequently, options assessments must also include assessment of the
likely wider socioeconomic and environmental impacts, as well as issues of equity, poverty alleviation, etc.
In many instances, evaluation of options for the management of water resources will be best performed
at the river basin level (e.g., through the development of a basin master plan). This should seek to balance
competing uses of finite water resources and seek cross-linkages between different demands. Ideally, a range
of stakeholders (including representatives of basin communities) should contribute to the development
of basin master plans. In Africa, where many basins cross international borders, water resource option
assessments should take into account the needs of all riparian countries. For dams, whether or not they are
located in transboundary basins, options assessments will often result in multifunctional projects that should
be more sustainable. Ideally, the options assessment should lead to the identification of a list of prioritized