CONSTRUCTION OF SUNGAI JOHOR BARRAGE KOTA TINGGI, JOHOR

By
Dato’ Ir. Dr. Hasnul Bin Mohamad Salleh1

Abstract

The yield of the Sg. Johor basin at the existing Johor River Waterworks (JRWW) operated by PUB
Singapore is estimated at 1325 Mld while the combined capacity of all existing water treatment plants
within the basin has reached 1836.5 Mld. This represents a deficit of 511.5 Mld which will widen to
670.5Mld in near future with the completion of the second stage Semangar Water Treatment Plant
(159 Mld) recently.The Sg. Johor is influenced by tides during normal flow conditions and saline
intrusion reaches the JRWW Kota Tinggi intake during dry seasons. The Linggiu dam can release up
to a maximum of 25m3/s of regulation flow but during extreme drought occasions the regulation flow is
insufficient to prevent saline intrusion from reaching the JRWW’s Tinggi intake. To prevent saline
intrusion and to augment the existing yield by 400Mld at Sg. Johor, the proposed barrage is necessary.
Without the barrage, the estimated flow of 9m3/s (778Mld) is required to be released from the Linggiu
Dam for flushing of salinity at the intake location during average flow conditions. With the barrage in
place, the required release from Linggiu Dam is only 1.2m3/s (100Mld) to provide the
compensation/environmental flow downstream of the barrage. The storage at Linggiu Dam can
therefore be used to regulate the water abstraction instead of being drained down for salinity flushing.

1.0 Introduction

The Sg. Johor with a total catchment area of 2,700 km2 passes through Kota Tinggi town
in southeast Johor. The Linggiu dam which was constructed across the Sg. Linggiu, an
upstream tributary of Sg. Johor, to form the Linggiu reservoir is the main regulating
reservoir in the headwaters of Sg. Johor. The capacity of the Linggiu reservoir is 760
million m3.

The objectives of the Johor Barrage Project are (i) for saline intrusion control to ensure
existing water intakes are not affected adversely by raw water with high saline content
and (ii) to augment the existing water resources within the Sg. Johor basin by an
estimated 400 Mld; and (ii).
2.0 Existing Conditions and Site Selection

Six (6) sites were originally identified for the possible construction of a barrage in the
feasibility study carried out in 1985 with the recommendation for the barrage to be
located at Seng Heng. However, in the recent study under Johor River Water Resources

1
Director General, Water Supply Branch, Kettha
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Study 2010, the earlier recommendation was reviewed and a new recommendation was
put forward to implement the barrage at the PUB Kota Tinggi WTP.

The implementation of the barrage at Sg. Johor has become a critical issue since year
2010 when the saline water intrusion exceeded the allowable limits resulting in the water
treatment plant at Sg. Johor having to stop production during periods of high salinity.

The proposed site which is located partly within the JRWW’s unused lagoons is selected
mainly due to the following reasons:

Impact to local public is expected to be minimum as the site is away from existing
residential areas.

Lesser impact to the firefly colonies located near Kota Tinggi town.

Lower costs.

Diversion channel can be constructed in a ‘straight line’ connecting to the existing

river and this will reduce the erosion and siltation along the river banks.

JRWW’s river intake could take advantage of the increase in river water level during
low flow when the gate is closed or partially closed.

The overall location plan and photos for existing site conditions are shown in Figure 1
and 2 respectively.

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Figure 1 : Overall Location Plan

Existing River near the Proposed Site

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 Proposed Site near JRWW Unused Lagoons

Figure 2 : Photos Showing the Existing Site Conditions

3.0 Hydrology and Flood Study

Hydrological analysis was conducted to estimate the design flood hydrographs and to
provide inputs for the hydraulic model in order to evaluate the existing river capacity and
conveyance capability at the proposed Johor barrage site. Hydrological modelling was
carried out using MIKE 11 software developed by the Danish Hydraulic Institute (DHI).
The Rainfall-Runoff Model adopted for the Study was the Danish “Nedbør-
Afstrømnings-Model or ‘NAM model’ which is a precipitation-runoff-model originally
developed by the Department of Hydrodynamics and Water Resources at the Technical
University of Denmark.

The hydrological data collected for the study included rainfall, water level, gauging,
streamflow and evaporation data. For yield analysis and salinity intrusion study at the
proposed barrage location along the Johor River, the design drought series was used to
simulate the low flow condition. The hydrodynamic simulations for Sg. Johor were aimed
at determining the flood level as well as peak discharges in response to a storm event of a
specific duration. Simulations were carried out for storm events of various ARIs (i.e. 100,
50, 20, 10 and 2-Yrs).

From the simulations, the following can be summarized:

(i) Highest flood recorded by PUB at the Intake in January 2007: 6.65mLSD
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 (ii) Estimated flood event at 100-year ARI 2-day design flood based on 1-Dimensional
Model simulation:

o Existing condition: 6.39 mLSD

o With proposed barrage and all gates fully opened: 6.91 mLSD

o With proposed barrage and all gates fail to open: 9.39 mLSD

(iii) Estimated flood event at 100-year ARI 2-day design flood based on 2-Dimensional
Model simulation:

o With proposed barrage and all gates fully opened: Level increased by
approximately 60mm compared to existing condition.

o With proposed barrage and all gates fail to open: Level increased by
approximately 600mm compared to existing condition.

(iv) The results from the 1-D model may be conservative because in a 1-D model, flows
are assumed to be contained within the channel banks and do not overspill into the
floodplains. The 2-D model is more representative for the actual site conditions.

4.0 Hydrodynamic and Saline Intrusion Modelling

A hydrodynamic and salinity assessment was also conducted with the main purpose of
evaluating the extent of the salinity intrusion of seawater into the Johor river system
during extreme low-flow conditions. The model adopted for the study was Mike 11.

The modelling results indicated that the extent of tidal effect ends approximately 68km
upstream from the river mouth. At present, the most downstream water intake point is
PUB or JRWW’s Kota Tinggi Intake which is situated on the left bank of Sg. Johor and is
approximately 48km from its river mouth. In the year 2010, high salinity in the river at
the PUB Kota Tinggi intake was experienced in the months of January, February and
March. During these three (3) months, even though the Linggiu Dam had released its

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 maximum of 25m3/s regulated flow, this was still not sufficient to push the saline
intrusion from the PUB Kota Tinggi intake. The salinity (measured as chloride
concentrations) during the months of February and March exceeded 200 ppm. The
recommended salinity limit (measured as chloride concentrations) for potable water
according to the WHO and MOH guidelines are 200ppm and 250ppm respectively.
In view that the MOH guideline for chloride limit in raw water is 250ppm and taking into
consideration the time required to close the gates, for simulation purposes the gates are
assumed to be closed when the chloride level reaches the limit of 150ppm. Sensitivity
simulations were also carried out to investigate the effects on the operation of the gates if
the barrage gates were to be closed at a lower chloride level.

Based on the historical flows and the main assumption of limiting the chloride level at
150 ppm, the modelled result shows that the gate will need to be closed for an average of
6 days in a year; the gate closure increases to an average of 30 days when the additional
Semangar Stage 2 is fully commissioned (159Mld) with the additional yield of 400Mld to
be made available upon completion of the proposed barrage. The main conclusions
derived from the modelled results are as follows:-

i) The minimum flow required downstream of the barrage is 1.2 m3/s (100Mld) as
compared with 9m3/s (778 Mld) for the case without barrage, to prevent saline
intrusion at the intake.

ii) Without the barrage and if Linggiu Dam needs to release the required residual flow of
9m3/s, there will be a deficit in the storage supply from the Linggiu Dam to sustain
the residual flow at year 2 of the 10 years design low flow.

iii) The Johor River water resources system is currently unable to cope with the
additional water abstractions plus provide the flow to prevent salinity intrusion, and
therefore the proposed barrage is necessary.

5.0 Environmental Study

The assessment of river water quality near the barrage location using available data from
DOE/ASMA and PUB indicates that the river is generally within Class II (“clean”)

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category, occasionally dropping to Class III (“slightly polluted”). The river receives
pollution loads from various point and non-point sources such as discharges from
townships/settlements, sand mining activities and agricultural runoff from oil palm
plantations. The river experiences saline intrusion extending to the PUB intake location,
occurring about 2 to 3 months in a year particularly in the months of February and March
for short durations.

The biological resources of key interest for this project are the fish and prawns because of
their economic value to the fishing communities, and the riparian flora consisting of
freshwater and brackish water mangroves which support fairly extensive firefly colonies
and provide shelter and nursery areas for juveniles of fish, prawn and invertebrates.

The proposed barrage poses the risk of changes to the river water quality in terms of
increased salinity in the waters downstream of the barrage. The extent of increase in
salinity would depend on the duration of barrage closure. This in turn may result in direct
or indirect impacts on the ecosystem of the river and the livelihood of the local
communities dependent on the ecosystem services. The impacts to the aquatic
environment may include:-

i) Reduction or loss of riparian vegetation due to exposure to higher salinity

regimes;

ii) Decrease in firefly population due to reduction in the vegetation cover and the
intermediate host (freshwater snails) population;

iii) Depletion of river fisheries as a result of reduction in the riparian vegetation

which serves as nursery, feeding and breeding grounds;

iv) Reduction in udang galah population which cannot withstand increased salinity
for long periods;

v) Disturbance to the food web of the river system;

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 vi) Change in biological community structure from freshwater to brackish water
community;

vii) Decrease in income for local fishing communities.

The mitigation measures identified to reduce the impacts to aquatic environment relate to
the barrage operations. It is suggested that the barrage gates be closed only during times
of extreme salinity intrusions and only for the duration of high tides which would be
approximately 2 to 3 hours. The barrage should be kept open during the breeding seasons
of the udang galah in August/September and December/January to allow downstream and
upstream migration of the prawns. Other mitigation measures include the establishment of
small scale hatcheries at various locations along Sg. Johor to augment or supplement the
loss in income of the fishing communities and firefly tour operators and replanting of
riparian vegetation especially species which are important for fireflies.

Photos showing the activities carried out during the environmental study are shown in
Figure 3.

Plate 1 : Size (carapace length, mm) recordings of Plate 2: Size (standard length, cm) recordings of
Macrobrachium rosenbergii (udang galah) patin (Pangassius sp.)

Figure 3 : Photos Showing the Activities during Environmental Study

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Plate 3: Rod and line used for catching the udang Plate 4: Water Sampling
galah (giant freshwater prawns)

Figure 3 : Photos Showing the Activities during Environmental Study

6.0 Detailed Design

The main components of the proposed works consist of the following:

(i) River diversion of about 600m length with width varies from 65m to 90m. River
diversion is necessary in order that the barrage can be constructed in the dry.

(ii) Reinforced concrete barrage structure with the necessary gates and navigation
locks.

(iii) Vertical lift roller gate selected because of simplicity in design, fabrication and
installation and is widely used as river control gates. The overall cost is also
cheaper. There will be a total of five (5) numbers of stainless steel SS304 vertical
lift roller gates, each gate sized at 10m width x 6.85m height. The total opening of
the gates shall not be less than the existing river section.

(iv) The gates will be designed to be operated by electrically powered hydraulic

actuators and motors.

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(v) Navigation lock will be provided for passage by local fishing boats. Two (2)
tilting gates are proposed to control the operation of the lock together with the
necessary balancing pipes and penstocks.

(vi) Stoplogs will be used to isolate the gates for maintenance purposes.

(vii) Ancillary buildings such as electrical switch room, standby generator house and
control room will also be provided.

(viii) Traffic control system especially at the navigation lock arae, river water salinity
information, telemetry and SCADA system will be provided for the operation of
the gates.

Overall layout plan, layout plan and typical section for the proposed barrage are shown in
Figure 4, 5 and 6 respectively.

Figure 4 : Overall Layout Plan

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 Figure 5 : Layout Plan of Barrage

Figure 6 : Typical Section of Barrage

7.0 Constraints during Construction

The site is located within the flood plain areas with existing ground levels that vary from
1m LSD to 3mLSD. The water levels during wet seasons from the months of October to
December will normally rise to levels of more than 2.0mLSD. The recorded highest flood
level at this area is 6.65mLSD. The site is also subjected to tidal flood.

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 The river bed on the new diversion channel will have to be set at -4.0mLSD to suit the
existing JRWW’s intake and river bed levels.

The construction of temporary cofferdam and extensive pumping of water from the
construction site will be required in order the construction of the permanent barrage
structure can be carried out in the dry.

8.0 Preliminary Barrage Operation Rules

The function of the barrage gates is to ensure that the river waters upstream of the gates
contain salinity below acceptable limits and at the same time ensures the necessary
compensation or environmental flow can be released downstream of the gates.

The operation of the barrage needs to maintain a balance in the requirements of additional
yield and environmental impacts by maximizing the release from Sg. Linggiu dam and
reduce the period required for the gates in closed position.

The State Government has appointed BAKAJ as the operator for the barrage; the
optimization of operations of the barrage will take time to establish and this can only take
place during the actual operation stage taking into consideration the salinity levels,
release from Sg. Linggu Dam, rainfall, water levels and abstraction from treatment plants
along the river. Cooperation and sharing of information from various parties including
SAJ, BAKAJ, JRWW and JPS is necessary.

9.0 Electrical, Telemetry and Mechanical Plant

The electrical plant to be provided will include the complete electrical distribution system
for the operation of the Sg. Johor barrage. A 415 V diesel engine driven standby
generator set will be provided for the Sg. Johor barrage. The generator set will be sized to
ensure that 100% of the works is maintained in the event of mains failure.

The mechanical works required for the barrage is mainly the vertical lift roller gate and
the necessary lifting hoist and crane. All instrumentation for the barrage will employ the
most modern and proven electronic instruments. Indicators, recorders and selected lamp

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 indications will be provided on the supervisory panel situated at the control room. River
water salinity signals at the downstream of the barrage located near Kota Tinggi town will
be transmitted to the Barrage Control Building via the telemetry system for control and
operation of the barrage.

10.0 Sedimentation Modeling and Analysis

From the sediment transport modeling and analysis, it was concluded that the operation of
the barrage may result in localized sediment accretion at the barrage; for all other
stretches of the Sg. Johor, there will be negligible effects on the river morphology.
Localized sediment accretion at the barrage is about 0.05m year and accumulates to a
total of 1.2m over 22 years. Localized desilting works is recommended when the
sediment accretion at the barrage site becomes high.

11.0 Land Recovery

The options to reclaim the empty land (about 10 ha) for commercial or recreation after
completion of the proposed works were discussed by the stakeholders including State
UPEN and JPS Head Office. It was agreed that the options to develop/reclaim the land
will not be included as part of the scope for the proposed Works. However, where
possible, the design shall take into consideration the possibilities of future reclamation of
this land by the State Government.

During the Value Management Lab, it was agreed that only landscaping and turfing
works will be carried out on the affected areas.

12.0 Fish and Prawn Passage

The option to provide fish and prawn passage along the existing river course for
movement of fish and prawn during the period when the gates is in closed position was
discussed during various Technical Meetings. The proposal was also tabled for discussion
in the Value Management Lab. The Value Management Lab agreed that the provision of
fish and prawn passage is not necessary due to the following reasons:

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 i) the gates at the proposed barrage will only be closed for an average of 30 days in a
year and the period of closure is mainly outside the breeding seasons where the
movement of fish and prawn is not so frequent; and
ii) it is anticipated that fish and prawn will likely find other spawning areas among
the tributaries of the Sg Johor.

13.0 Land Requirements

The overall land requirements are listed below:

(i) JRWW’s Land: 5.0 ha

(ii) Private Land/Lots: 8.0 ha
(iii) Government (JPS) reserve 10 ha

The overall land requirement is 23.0 ha. Private lots/land will need to be acquired in
accordance with the Land Acquisition Act. For land areas within the JRWW, a Letter of
Exchange is necessary to return the affected land to the Johor State Government for the
purpose of this Project.

14.0 Preliminary Cost Estimate

The original approved ceiling cost of the project is RM75 million. The estimate is based
on desktop study without any survey and site investigation works.

However, due to the increased in the actual river width and also the site conditions
compared to the original assumptions, the approved revised ceiling cost for the project
after the Value Management Lab is RM96 million.

15.0 Conclusions

The proposed barrage can be operated to ensure that the salinity concentration at the PUB
or JRWW’s Kota Tinggi intake is maintained below the desirable limit and at the same
time ensure that additional incremental yield of 400Mld can be obtained from Sg. Johor.
The barrage gates will need to be closed when the salinity reaches the allowable limit

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which is currently taken to be 150ppm of chloride concentration. When the chloride level
drops below the limit, the barrage gates will be in the open position

Depending on the duration of the barrage closure, the river water quality downstream of
the barrage may in the long run become more saline, changing the river condition to a
brackish water instead of fresh water environment. This in turn would have impacts on
the river ecosystem which is presently rich in prawn and fish populations and mangrove
habitat which supports fairly extensive firefly colonies. There may be some reduction in
the extensiveness of these ecosystems due to the exposure to higher saline waters. The
livelihood of the local communities who are dependent on the ecosystem services would
also be affected.

As for operation of barrage will need to maintain a balance in the requirements of

additional yield and environmental impacts. Cooperation and sharing of information from
various parties including SAJ, BAKAJ, JRWW and JPS is necessary.

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 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ARI Average Recurrence Interval

ASMA Alam Sekitar Malaysia Sdn Bhd
BAKAJ Badan KawalSelia Air Johor
DHI Danish Hydraulic Institute
DOE Department of Environmental
ha Hectare
JAS Jabatan Alam Sekitar
JBA Jabatan Bekalan Air
JPS Jabatan Pengaliran dan Saliran
JRWS Johor River Water Resources Study
JRWW Johor River Water Works (PUB Water Treatment Plant, Kota Tinggi, Johor)
KeTTHA Kementerian Tenaga, Teknologi Hijan dan Air Malaysia
LSD Land Survey Datum
m Metres
m3 Cubic metre
mg/l Milligram per liter
Mgd Mega gallon per day
Mld Mega liter per day
mm Millimetres
MOH Ministry of Health
NAM Nedbør-Afstrømnings-Model
NRWS National Water Resources Study
PMF Probable Maximum Flood
PMP Probable Maximum Precipitation
ppm Part per million
ppt Parts per thousand
PUB Public Utilities Board, Singapore
WQI Water Quality Index
WTP Water Treatment Plant

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