EcoLur
In the frames of “Support to SHPP-relating reforms through the dialogue of public and RA Nature Protection Ministry for Sustainable Use of River Ecosystems” the expert group visited “Gosh” SHPP. “Gosh” SHPP is located in the administrative area of Gosh community, Tavush region, on the Norgetik River (river length – 8 km). The SHPP is operated by “Gosh HPP” LLC. The findings of the monitoring are as follows:
- Water intake coordinates laid down in water usage permit don’t comply with the factual coordinates.
- Water-measuring observation sites are missing in water intake and water outlet sites.
- Free water usage requirements are not adhered to, as the header located within Gosh community is not fenced. It imposes great danger both to the children and the animals. The building of the SHPP is fenced only from the road, while the entrance from the river and Gosh village is open.
- The project lays down preservation of vegetation layer and its further use. In reality, taking any environmental action can’t be observed.
- The construction project of “Gosh” SHPP lays down a fish passway in the header, which is missing, as a matter of fact. The absence of a fish passway is grounded with the presence of a natural water fall 5-6 meters downwards, the depth of which is about 4-5 meters.
- The Norgetik River has only trout. The natural chutes, waterfalls, the concrete walls locate in the area adjacent to the headers of the SHPP make the motion of the trout up and down the river impossible.
- The transformer is located on the river bank, when there is sufficient space and opportunity to locate it far from the river.
- The mantled equipment are either of native or Russian production (the labels non-readable), which shows low effectiveness. The impact of noise in adjacent areas was significant.
- The construction project of “Gosh” SHPP lays down underground pipeline, which was on the surface, as a matter of fact, except for places, where it intersected with ground roads.
- The percentage relation of the derivation length of “Gosh” SHPP accounts for 37.3%.
- Visibly there has been no reclaiming measure taken and there was no need for it, as the pipeline has been laid on the surface.
- “Gosh” SHPP is located in a distance of 2500 meters from “Dilijan National Park” SNCO, the header of the “Gosh” SHPP is located in a direct distance of 350 meters from Goshavanq.
- The SHPP employs two people, and the staff doesn’t have professional abilities.
Proposals
- The effectiveness of the station and compliance to the sanitary standards can be increased through technical re-equipment and installing contemporary equipment (one European equipment could have been installed instead of the current three).
- The whole header shall be fenced to ban the entrance of the people and animals and to ensure safety.
- Such small-capacity stations shall be stopped in low-water seasons, and maximally use the water resources in high-water seasons. Definitely, investments are needed for this purpose.
- The water discharged from the header shall be in closed manner thus improving the conditions of using the ground road running through the community.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The material was developed in the frames of “Supporting reforms in the sector of small hydro power plants through enabling a dialogue between civil society and the Ministry of Nature Protection for sustainable use of river ecosystems” supported by UNDP/GEF Small Grants Programme".
June 08, 2015 at 12:02