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AHEC/MNRE/SHP Standards/ Civil Works – Guidelines For Layout Of Small Hydro Plants /Feb 2008 7
1.8.2 Map studies
Potential development schemes should then be laid out on available
mapping for guidance during the field visit. It is further recommended that
an outline of preliminary studies report be made at this time and a check
list prepared before going into the field. This will help to establish which
important information is lacking in order to obtain it during the field visit.
1.8.3 Field Visit
The field visit provides an opportunity to obtain an appreciation of site
topography, flow regime, geology and access for roads and transmission
lines. From these on-site observations it is often possible to identify
practical locations for temporary facilities, head-works, desilting tank and
powerhouse and to decide the side of the river best suited for routing of
the waterways, preliminary access roads and T.L. routes. These locations,
their elevations and co-ordinates can be determined with portable GPS
equipment. It is also recommended that the inspection team include at last
three professionals: a hydrologist, a geologist and a hydropower engineer.
It is also recommended that the team include local representatives. Their
practical knowledge of the area and its people could be invaluable.
Typically, a field visit will require 1-3 days depending on the remoteness,
size and complexity of the site. Field visit should be supplemented with
photos and a field inspection report prepared.
1.8.4 Mapping and site investigations
The scope of the mapping and site investigation programs should be
prepared following the field visit. The extent of the mapping should be
sufficient to cover all alternatives envisaged and to allow for reasonable
adjustments (re-alignments) of structures, waterways, access roads and
T.L. routes. It is also recommended that surveyors also record ground
conditions on their maps, such as: grass land, sparse or heavy forest,
ephemeral on perennial streams, deep soil, broken rock or solid bed rock.
For small projects high head schemes extensive site investigations are
rarely required, but should at least include collection of sand and rock
samples to test for suitability for concrete production. On larger projects,
diamond drilling, geological mapping and (possibly) seismic surveys may
also be required, as recommended in Section 1.13 of the Standards.
1.8.5 Conceptual Design
In this activity preliminary designs and cost estimates are prepared for
each alternative and benefits evaluated. The relative merits of each
alternative are then be assessed by economic analysis to determine the best
alternative. Careful attention should be paid to the cost components with