Environment and Economics

But for the in depth environmental assessment conducted by T. Shaw and his collaborators, little or no environmental study has been carried out prior to the construction of Rance or Kislaya plants. Ex post facto examinations were conducted on both schemes. At the Rance site the only milieu considerations were to protect the plant, and to insure a minimum of perturbations for the entrance to the port of St Malo. In fact the major changes have been the loss of lanzons (Ammodytidae), the disappearance of some species and the take-over by others. High speed currents have been created near sluices and powerhouse, surges occur occasionally suddenly, sandbanks have disappeared, range of tides has decreased. Pool levels and navigation patterns have changed. Overall it appears that the TPP has affected the environment less than hydro-electric plants do.