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 “Surb Aghbyur” SHPP. “Surb Aghbyur” SHPP is located in Horbategh administrative area, in Vayots Dzor province, built on Artabuynk River (river length of 18 km). SHPP exploits "Holy Source" LLC. The findings of the monitoring are as follows:
- SHPP was put into operation in 2008.
- Two turbines of Chinese production are located in the SHPP building.
- An automatic control system in the building, controls aggregates’ safe work and provides some parameters.
- The system which controls automatically the connection between water intake level and turbine, is missing.
- The junction area is ready. Landscaping and improvement measures have not been implemented.
- There are small differences in water intake and wastewater coordinates mentioned in water use permit
- There is no water metering observation points in water intake.
- Environmental exit determined by water use permit is 0.03 m3 / s. But the environmental safe exit passed through the river is not provided at the head of junction. Environmental exit flow to the river by the form of gradual fish passway is planned according to the project , but environmental exit is set free into the water intake river side by the unorganized water flow form.
- During the monitoring the entrance of fish passway was closed by the stones water was not flow from it.
- According to local residents, there is no fish in the river because of dirty water. According to some information the water have been getting dirty from the 80s by artesian manholes waters, which are rich in a variety of metals and chemicals.
- River’s reservoir datas (flow, water abundance, rocky coasts, etc) correspond to biological requirements of trout.
- Cut slopes are observed on pipeline road, which will affect on stability of the slopes.
- The pipeline is passed through the areas full of trees.
- Household wastewater removal does not correspond to the project, as according to the project bio-toilets are planned.
- The garbage is scattered all over the junction area of the SHPP. There are no trash cans and the garbage falls in to the river.
- Free water requirements are not fulfilled.
- While speaking with residents, it became obvious that there are serious problems with irrigation water.
- Inspections are not held in SHPP.
Proposals
- To place the metering device and control the environmental flow.
- Regularly to held household waste and garbage disposal.
- To carry out landscaping and improvement work in junction areas In the case of appearing fish in the river, to build fish passway and to place fish protection net, that will satisfy the vital needs fish.
- To provide free water requirements.
The Ministry of Nature Protection offers
- To explore Artabuynk river water quality and close the hatches.
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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".
July 14, 2015 at 16:57