Presentation

The purpose of this presentation is to initiate an urgent solution for the dangerous environmental disaster of Lake Urmia in West Azerbaijan - Iran; • Supplying water from Lake Van (Turkey) • Install solar power panels on the surface of Lake Urmia to provide an environment friendly energy source for the project • Releasing floating plastic balls on the lake surface to prevent evaporation till the initiation of the project

Information about Lake Urmia

Urmia Lake is one of the largest permanent hyper saline lakes in the world and the largest lake in the Middle East. It extends 140 km from north to south and 85 km east to west during high water periods.

Information about Lake Urmia

The lake is designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1976.

Drastic reduction of water content in lake

Lake Urmia has been suffering a dramatic drop in its water level with the past 20 years due to increasing salinity, evaporation and other environmental reasons.

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Present water condition of Lake Urmia

Today, it is estimated that there is only 2 billion cubic meter water left in north side of the lake and the water level continues dropping rapidly.

Lake Urmia historical water levels

• The saturation of the lake has reached 33% salinity. • Its water level has dropped down to less than 1.5 m. • It is required to bring the water level back to its original level of 18-20 m to rehabilitate the Lake Urmia.

Climate Change in Urmia Region

Comparing above historical climate data shows that; • Average annual rain fall during the period of 1961 to 1990 significantly reduced from 341.2 mm to 251.8 mm during period of 2000 to 2012 although average rainy days has not changed. • Both average high and low temperatures has increased a few degrees in the same periods compared. • It is obvious that climatic conditions are worsening that will accelerate coming disaster. This is what we may expect if nothing is done

Introduction

Construction of dams and diversion of surface water for agriculture, along with reduced precipitation and warmer temperatures over the basin, and to a lesser extent reduced inflow of groundwater are generally accepted as the causes.
As a result;
• Reduced water volume concentrates the salts in the lake making it too saline for the artemia which is near the bottom of the simple food chain that supporting the very diverse bird population for which the lake provides an important habitat.
• The surrounding salty wetlands with a productive and diverse plant population will also dry up under current trends and conditions.
• With the wind effect, the salt dust over the dried lake basin will result in a huge
environmental disaster affecting a wide range area which may even extend to Eastern Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Water Crises of Lake Urmia is a serious environmental problem and if urgent measures are not taken it may end up with a disaster. Besides supplying huge amount of water to Urmia it is also important to consider the following facts;
• Transported water quality should be convenient and it's mixing with existing highly saline water to be secured through power fountains supplied by solar panels.
• Sustain water level in the future to reduce evaporation and other loses.
• Environmental friendly solution including protection of Artemia at the lake basin.
• Set up a monitoring system to control various parameters of the whole process of water supply, mixing with existing water, level of water, loses and environmental requirements.
• Self-sufficient energy generation for continuous process over the years.
In this respect;
It is important to mention that this is a multi-dimensional problem and requires solutions with the contribution of multidisc-disciplinary studies such as engineering, environmental, agricultural, and political support to consider a cross-border solution.

Prospective Solution

To bring the lake level back to the level of the last decade; it is necessary to supply over 20 billion cum of water with convenient quality. Further measures are necessary to sustain transported water to the lake by drastically reducing the wasted agricultural water.

Disadvantage of Alternative Water Supply versus Lake Van

Caspian Sea Alternative
• Route from Caspian Sea is approximately 320 km. long
• Caspian Sea water level elevation is 1286 m lower than Lake Urmia
• Caspian Sea and Lake Urmia has different water characteristics.
Persian Gulf Alternative
• Route from Persian Gulf is approximately 962 km. long
• Persian Gulf water level elevation is 1268 m lower than Lake Urmia
• Persian Gulf and Lake Urmia has different water characteristics.
Lake Van Alternative
• Route from Lake Van is approximately 190 km. long
• Lake Van's water level elevation is 409 m higher than Lake Urmia
• Lake Van and Lake Urmia has similar water characteristics.

Water Pipeline from Lake Van (Turkey)

With this option it is aimed to bring water from Lake Van, the pipeline would be approximately 190 km long.
Compared to a pipeline from the Persian Gulf or the Caspian Sea, which are around 892 km and 320 km long respectively, a pipeline from Lake Van would be the most effective solution for Lake Urmia to respond to the urgency of the situation. The Investment cost will be considerably less and the execution of the project will be much faster due to the shorter distance and the altitude of Lake Van. Water supply from the sea would require a desalination plant with additional cost and time, whereas water from Lake Van can be discharged directly due to similar characteristics with Lake Urmia's water. If water supply from Van is considered, then main questions to be answered, are as follows;
Technically
• Quantity and rate of water flow that can be released from Van
• Route and capacity of pipeline
• Quantity of water and the pressure of the pipelines
• Monitoring stations and nearby road construction
Politically
• Agreement between the two countries to build the pipeline

Water Pipeline from Lake Van (Turkey)

Total pipe line to supply water from Lake Van would be approximately 190 km long.

Lake Van Technical Information

Lake Van is the largest lake in Turkey, located in the far east of the country in Van district. It is a saline soda lake, receiving water from numerous small streams that descend from the surrounding mountains. Lake Van is one of the world's largest endothecia lakes (having no outlet). The original outlet from the basin was blocked by an ancient volcanic eruption. Although Lake Van is situated at an altitude of 1,640 m with harsh winters, it does not freeze due to its high salinity except occasionally the shallow northern section

Lake Urmia Technical Information

It is the largest lake in the Middle East and the sixth largest saltwater lake on earth.

Summary of Water Supply

• The time required to refill Lake Urmia is determined by the quantity of water transferred.
• The refilling period depends on the discharge rate of flow from Van and other sources.
• The quantity of water to be pumped from Lake Van shall be determined by seasonal and meteorological factors and evaporation levels.
• The goal is to mitigate the loss of water by seeping in and evaporation and stabilize the water level of the lake at 18-20 m from the bottom.
• The new refilled Lake Urmia will have very similar water characteristics as Lake Van.

Water Pipeline Project from Lake Van

A. Pipeline:
Several parallel lines each 3.6 m diameter with an approximate length of 190 km will be built either on the ground or underground depending on security requirements of the pipelines.
B. Pumping Stations:
Pumping stations will be required to pass through the high elevations to carry the water to Lake Urmia.
C. Other Engineering Structures:
Along the water pipe line route there will be some additional engineering works such as a service road, underground passages, road crossings, control pits and chambers for valves etc.
D. Lake Development
After careful examinations, a water discharge method and points shall be determined at Urmia Lake basin and surroundings will be maintained and developed to eliminate adverse environment conditions.

Project Execution

Preliminary Studies
Final execution method will be determined following further technical feasibility and environmental studies (on Lake Van, Lake Urmia and related locations and conditions including water pipeline route) that are conducted and evaluated.
Design Phase
Upon finalizing a water pipeline route; a design phase shall start considering further geographical surveys and studies. Based on the rate of water flow agreed by Turkish and Iranian governments technical details such as capacity of pipeline, piping material, diameters, pumping stations capacity, its numbers and locations and specifications and development details of the surroundings of Lake Urmia will be determined.
Construction Phase of Pipeline
The time frame for the construction of the pipeline after the decision making process, preliminary studies and the design phase will be 1 year.
Construction Phase
After examining and approval of design documents construction phase shall start simultaneously both on the Turkish and Iranian side. Construction phase should be optimized by combining technical constraints of these two parts in order to complete within the same time frame.
Monitoring of Water Supply System
Upon completion of the construction phase, continuous monitoring and reporting of water supply process shall be established. Furthermore, a system shall be established for sampling and testing of water in Lake Urmia .

Expected Benefits if Water Supply from Lake Van is considered

The following list includes the expected benefits of the project;
• Improving Lake Urmia and preventing disastrous impacts on the environment in a very large region including both Turkey, Iran and other neighboring counties
• Improving political and economic relations between Turkey and Iran
• Creating a large scale project creating significant employment in both countries
• Building efficient and effective energy production facilities
As it is stated in this presentation file, it is vital to improve Lake Urmia for many reasons, some stated above.
The implementation of this project should be considered in relation to the environmental and economic benefits. This project will instigate the basis for development in the whole region of Lake Urmia.
This is why the option of supplying via Lake Van through the shortest pipeline requirement and its very similar water characteristics to Lake Urmia is the most efficient alternative

Complementary Solutions

Subject solution of this presentation is combination of following main sections.
1. Supply of Water from Lake Van.
2. Supply of Water from Lake Van via underwater high pressure fountains.
3. Additional measures for sustainability;
• Floating Solar Panels
• Shade balls
• Deep Geothermal Wells
Water Supply from Lake Van
Additional Measures to Prevent
Water Evaporation
And Algae Formation
For Environmental Sustainability

Additional Sustaining Measures-Floating Solar Panels

Floating solar plants will be used on the lake surface helping decrease the amount of water vaporized and provide clean-efficient energy for the region. Advantages of Floating Solar Panels
• Reducing Evaporation of Lake Urmia
• Environmentally friendly
• No pollutants; no CO2
• Noise-free
• Sustainable resource
• The water helps the solar panels perform better.
• The water keeps the panels cool, which makes them operate more efficiently and helps them last longer.
• The third benefit is to the body of water itself. When panels are placed over reservoirs, they discourage water evaporation and algae growth, both of which keep the reservoirs fuller and healthier.
A typical solar plant will be comprise of approximately 50,000 Kyocera modules over a water surface area of 180,000m2.
It will generate about 15,635 megawatt hours (MWh) per year, the equivalent of the energy demand of 4,700 typical households.
Floating solar power plant on the surface of Lake Urmia.
Floating solar plants can be used on the lake surface helping decrease the amount of water vaporized and provide clean-efficient energy for the region.

Additional Sustaining Measures-Shade Balls

They are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with carbon black additive to protect the plastic from ultraviolet radiation. Shade balls are small plastic spheres floated on top of a reservoir for environmental protection and to slow evaporation. Los Angeles officials have come up with a surprisingly low-tech way to fight the region's water crisis: millions of floating plastic balls. Nearly 100 million of so-called "shade balls” have been released into three local reservoirs in recent months. The layer of balls protects water from algae formation, dust, rain and wildlife. Perhaps more importantly, the black balls also help to prevent evaporation. According to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the balls could conserve 300 million gallons of reservoir water each year – water that California desperately needs. In the case of Urmia; having such shade balls can be considered as an immediate step to preserve the existing water.

Prospective Solution- High Pressure Fountains

High Pressure Fountains
To achieve an intensive and constant circulation of the water and its revitalization, underwater power fountains similar to Lake Geneva will be built.
High Pressure Fountains
• The installation of the underwater high-pressure fountains will also begin on the entrance area, where the major pipelines meet Lake Urmia
• The underwater high pressure fountains will be linked to a sensor system to provide a permanent surveillance and monitoring of the quantity of water transferred

Deep Geothermal Well Water

Advantages of Well Water
Sustainable water for Lake Urmia
Environmentally friendly
No pollutants; no CO2
Noise-free
Small footprint
Sustainable resource
Comes from national soil
Working around the clock
In any weather
Geologically, Iran sits on a high enthalpy area which means there is geothermal water deep under the ground.
With this geothermal water, energy can be produced and after that it can be discharged into the Urmia Lake.
• Assuming output of each well is around 80 lit/s the amount of water that can be discharged to the lake would be approximately 288 cum/h and 2.5 Million cum/year
• Every additional well will increase the amount of water as well as energy production.
• Deep geothermal water temperature will be reduced to 20-30 c degrees from 150180 c degrees as a result of energy production.
• High mineral content of deep geothermal water will be removed with a special technology developed by a Lithuanian Company. Water purification level can be adjusted to the level as per specifications.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURAL MEASURES

• All environmental impacts of pipelines, wells, energy supply systems etc. shall be studied
• Securing water quality
• Preserving artemia
• Sedimentation
• Prevention of algae formation and preserving the ecosystem
• A new approach to agricultural irrigation systems not only for efficiency but also to save the water with a comprehensive irrigation network incorporating dams
• Construction of many water sheds
• Increasing water supply from the rivers flowing to Urmia Besides environmental issues it is also important to reconsider the existing irrigation system.

Conclusion

• It is obvious that the water crises of Lake Urmia is a serious environmental problem and authorities should take urgent measures to prevent the coming disaster.
• This presentation is part of the ICO Project and contains measures and various options to restore Lake Urmia.
• However, it is obvious that all these preliminary ideas need to be studied in detail considering all technical and environmental aspects mentioned above.
• In consideration of all related facts and requirements from the Iranian authorities, further design concepts in combination with various alternatives should be prepared and implemented in cooperation with Universities and local authorities.
• We would be pleased to take the initiative to form a consortium including speClˉalized companies in different fields from Turkey and Europe to undertake and handle the complete project on a turnkey basis.

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