How dose Hydropower energy effect the environment in the State of Essay

How dose Hydropower energy effect the environment in the State of Wyoming - Essay Example This paper will discuss some of the most common ways through which hydropower energy affects the environment in the state of Wyoming. The movement of water downstream in the plant facilitates the creation of kinetic energy which can be converted into electricity. In the past, hydropower energy plants were quite reliable and efficient than most of the other sources of energy. The hydropower energy majorly depends on precipitation and changes in elevation. The construction and operation of the hydropower dams substantially affect the natural river systems. In most cases, the power plants are usually regulated by the state and federal laws to care for the surrounding and human health (Edwards 15). However, there are other environmental impacts which are closely associated with the power generation technologies. Various studies highlight that hydropower energy is an environmentally clean and safe method of producing electricity. In fact, hydropower energy is more efficient as compared to most of the other sources of electricity. In addition, hydropower energy plants do not contribute to global warming or the formation of acid rain. In the state of Wyoming, there are minor air emissions that are produced by the hydropower energy plants. This is because the amount of fuel which is burnt at the hydropower energy plants is quite negligible. These emissions can also be produced by the vegetation which is located along the riverbed of the dam. These plants can decay in the man-made lake hence releasing methane which is one of the greenhouse gases (MacKay 18). Further analysis proves the bacteria contained in the vegetation can transform mercury which is contained in the rocks in the reservoir into a soluble form. This mercury also affects the aquatic life and poses a serious threat to the citizens of Wyoming. The hydropower energy stations in Wyoming also require the use of man-made lakes, which usually affects the