homework help?

Question

would it make economic sense to remove the dams on the snake river

Answer 1

I suppose the real question would be why were the dams placed in the first place. If they were put there to provide for hydroelectric power and irrigation, removing them might cause more harm than good, and therefore the cost of 1. removing them and 2. repairing the damage caused by the river might cost more.

Answer 2

In order to answer that, you would need to know some information:
1. What economic gain comes from the dams in place as they are? (possible examples = hydroelectric power, tourism/boating/fishing on the reservoirs, flooding reduction, etc.)
2. What economic gain would there be from removing the dams and allowing the river to run naturally?
There's your big question - in order for it to make 'economic sense', the gain from an undammed river would have to be greater than the gain from a dammed river. You'd want to factor in every possible gain and loss from the dams and from a non-dammed state. That would take a fair amount of digging and thought, I'd expect - most people only look at a limited set of economic factors (usually those that directly affect them) and ignore any others.
And, of course, there are other factors - the non-economic ones. Many of us are like Oscar Wilde's cynic; we "know the price of everything and the value of nothing". There may be times when it's good to consider the non-monetary value of things or actions.

Answer 3

No, all dams have a purpose. Either to prevent flooding, or control the amount of water in a river. Removing dams doesn't make sense unless they don't serve a purpose anymore.

Answer 4

i dont think that it would make that big of a difference, the great salt lake would hold alot of the overflow, and the snake river would still be able to hold its own too, i dont think it would matter

Answer 5

no, i can't help you! you need to do it, alone! by yourself
do you understand?

Answer 6

no

Answer 7

why not ;]

Answer 8

No because they create energy, duh!