Environmental Impact Assessment of the Kelarud Reservoir Dam Using the Pastakia Matrix (RIAM) Method

Subject Areas : Research Paper

Mojtaba Farhadzadeh ¹ , Parisa Maleki ²

1 - Regional Water Company of Mazandaran, Water Resources Management Company, Ministry of Energy, Iran
2 - Regional Water Company of Mazandaran, Water Resources Management Company, Ministry of Energy, Iran

Received: 2025-01-21 Accepted : 2025-10-15 Published : 2025-11-29

Keywords: Environmental, Kelarud Dam, Pastakia Matrix, Rapid Assessment Method, RIAM,

Abstract :

Introduction: Providing drinking water to major cities in Mazandaran Province, such as Babol, Babolsar, and Fereydounkenar, is a key concern. The construction of the Kelarud Dam on the Kelarud River in southern Babol County is proposed as a solution. This study evaluates the dam's environmental impacts using the Pastakia Matrix (RIAM), a quantitative assessment method covering physical-chemical, biological-ecological, social-cultural, and economic-executive aspects.

Methods: Two scenarios were assessed: implementing or not implementing the project. The findings indicate that while the construction phase has negative environmental impacts, these can be mitigated through environmental management programs. During the operation phase, positive impacts increase significantly, addressing water shortages effectively.

Findings: Final scores reveal +348 points for implementing the dam, compared to -485 points for not implementing it. Despite initial challenges, the project's long-term benefits in alleviating water scarcity outweigh its adverse effects, making it a viable solution.

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