The effects of short-term,
hydropeaking operations on aquatic ecosystems are not well understood, although
reduction in native species richness has been observed (Vehanen et ah, 2005).
Hydropeaking also can conflict with downstream cold water fisheries (Krause et al.
2005). A key aspect of the problem is the spatial and temporal scales involved.
Hydropower scheduling takes place at monthly, weekly, daily and hourly intervals, and
operations at each level affect different environmental processes