Impact study of Beni-Haroun dam on the environmental and socio-economic elements in Kébir-Rhumel basin, Algeria

Surface water of Kébir Rhumel basin is indispensable for domestic and industrial needs of this region. Industrial development, with water excessive use and chemical products, in production and industrial treatment, and not sustainable fertilizers in agriculture, constitutes a serious threat to maintain our resources of good water quality. The majority of domestic and industrial wastewaters of the region, discharged to the stream water of Kébir Rhumel basin, promote the water enrichment in nutritious elements, phosphorus and nitrogen and particularly, the resulting increase in the aquatic primary production, mainly the planktonic or benthic algae. As a result, the physical and chemical properties of water deteriorate. This basin allows construction of the largest dam in Algeria “Beni-Haroun dam”. The infrastructure that was one of the greatest challenges of Algeria is now a reality. Hydraulic complex of Beni-Haroun remains a strategic and major achievement in the development program of water resources sector. This enormous building was constructed in the territory of the Wilaya (province) of Mila, used to meet water needs, with four million inhabitants, of eastern Algeria and other neighbouring regions that have suffered from lack of water consumption, especially in summer. In addition, it will irrigate over 42 000 ha, going thus to the several plains. Integration of sociological and environmental concerns into dams design is a recent phenomenon. It is considered at the impact study level, during which the dam study project is accompanied by a survey to assess project impact on natural environment and socioeconomic development.