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River ecology
Hydroelectric power schemes need an abstraction license from the Environment Agency. Under this licence, the effect of the turbine on a river's ecosystem will be investigated. The river's ecology is protected by restricting the proportion of the total flow diverted through the turbine. Large hydroelectric power schemes may include fish ladders to allow migrating salmon and sea trout to pass into the upper river to spawn.
Energy balance
With small scale hydroelectric schemes, the embodied energy (the energy used in the manufacture of the components) of a scheme is typically equalled by the energy generated by the scheme within 9 months of commissioning.
Emissions
Emissions are not a problem on small-scale schemes. In larger schemes which have involved flooding, some carbon dioxide emissions may come from decaying vegetation in the short term.
Noise pollution
Turbines can produce some noise but this can be mitigated relatively easily.
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