Evaluation of environmental aspects in the construction of dams

Dams have positive and negative effects on environment. According to different criteria, environmental effects of dams can lead short term and long term damages. These effects may influence on the situation of meteorology, biology, culture, ancient works, etc and severely causes to change it. So considering importance of positive effects of dam construction, it is necessary to minimize negative environmental effects of dams to achieve a stable development. In this article some of definitions have been provided and then the environmental effects are presented. Some environmental challenges of dams in Iran will be discussed. Some solutions regarding reducing environmental effects of dams are suggested. Also, the environmental legislation of dams in Australia and an example successful solutions are presented.