The potential impact of green agendas on historic river landscapes: Numerical modelling of multiple weir removal in the Derwent Valley Mills world heritage site, UK

Removing multiple weirs along the Derwent River could remobilize contaminants in legacy sediments, posing long-term environmental risks despite minimal changes to valley morphology. Numerical modeling of 24 km of river revealed localized upstream erosion and sediment evacuation post-removal, raising concerns about contaminant redistribution across the floodplain system. While weir modifications are increasingly driven by green agendas—such as hydropower development and water quality improvements—the study highlights the need for holistic assessments to mitigate unintended ecological consequences. These findings have global implications for riverine landscapes where heritage protection is less stringent, emphasizing the importance of considering environmental impacts beyond individual structures.

Howard, A. J., Coulthard, T. J., & Knight, D. (2017). The potential impact of green agendas on historic river landscapes: Numerical modelling of multiple weir removal in the Derwent Valley Mills world heritage site, UK. Geomorphology, 293, 37–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2017.05.009