The construction phase of any development raises its own particular environmental and social issues., and hydropower schemes are no exception.  Where a new development is planned, there are a range of activities that could potentially cause environmental harm and result in social impacts.

Impacts that may arise at the construction phase and need to be planned for can include but are not limited to:

• drainage problems;
• erosion and sediment liberation due to earthmoving, clearing, quarrying and road-making;
• long-term scars on the landscape due to vegetation and earth removal or disturbance;
• chemical, fuel and oil spills;
• waste management issues;
• long-term site contamination risks;
• introduced species; and
• disturbance of animal and plant communities.

Social issues can be associated with the above impacts, but can also arise in their own right and need to be considered in a construction planning process.  Loss of community cohesion and values may be at risk with the introduction of migratory workforces, and competition for local resources.  Noise and dust may also be issues where the development is close to human habitation, and health issues have been known to arise when local communities are exposed to outside influences.