EcoLur
The Nature Protection Ministry promises to hold inspections in Jermuk based on the signals about mass tree felling on SHPP construction sites. The ministry statement particularly says, “The Ministry doesn’t issue permits for tree felling, as the Ministry doesn’t have such authorities.” And then “The application for SHPP construction is still in consideration process.” And “based on alarm signals the Ministry assigned territorial environmental inspection to hold inspections at “Jinj Arpa” LLC (the company having filed application for SHPP construction).”
Whether it’s coincidental or not, the Ministry response distorts the real situation. Reminder: several SPPS are constructed next to Arpa River at the same time. “Jermuk-1” SHPP is being constructed in the forest territory of “Jermuk Turboshin” Company, and the locals have beaten many alarms signals on illegal tree felling from 300 to 500 trees for this very “Jermuk-1” project.
“Gndevanq” SHPP is being constructed by “BSB” Company: the project was criticized many times for its extremely poor design and submitted EIA both by society and environmental expertise.
“Jermuk-2” SHPP has been submitted by “Jermuk Hydrotech” Company and, eventually, “Arpa-3” SHPP has factually been submitted by “Jinj Arpa” Company and is currently undergoing environmental expertise.
Therefore, reacting to alarm signals the Nature Protection Ministry should hold examinations in all SHPPs being constructed on the Arpa River, particularly ‘Jermuk-1’ SHPP, which is being constructed in the forest territory felling up to 500 trees without having any permits.
This material was made possible through the full support of Open Society Foundations – Armenia’s Policy Fellowship Program Initiative, grant number 18571. Ideas, thoughts, and arguments presented in the paper are the sole expression of the author’s views and do not reflect those of Open Society Assistance Foundations – Armenia.
April 07, 2014 at 12:49