EcoLur
In the framework of the project entitled “Support to the Reforms of SHPPs through a Dialogue between the Public and The Ministry of Nature Protection of the RA for the Purpose of River Ecosystem Use” the expert group visited “Khachardzan” SHPP.
“Khachardzan” SHPP is located in the administrative area of Khachardzan Community, Tavush Region, while its head section is located in “Dilijan” National Park. The SHPP is constructed on the Khachardzan River (river length – 18 km). The SHPP is developed by “Gosh HPP” LLC.
As a result of the monitoring the expert group found out:
- The SHPP has been operating since 2009.
- The head section has a fish pathway with 9 stairs. Such structure creates additional difficulties for the fish in the river, especially for the seasonal movements of small-sized Kura barbel and South Caspian sprilin. In the upper part of the fish pathway there were sand-filled bags, which could close the entrance of the fish pathway, and as a result, the river water would flow only into the pipeline. In general, the fish pathway in the head section can’t ensure natural movement of the fish in the river.
- The fish-protecting net is available.
- You can meet the following fish species in the SHPP head section: brown trout - Salmo fario, the Kura barbel Barbus cyri, South Caspian sprilin - Alburnoides eichwaldii. No red-listed fish species available.
- The SHPP environmental flow is laid down 0.06 cum/s in the construction permit, while water usage permit doesn’t lay down any environmental flow limits.
- During the observation, the environmental flow of the river was ensured with the fish pathway, nevertheless, visually it as less than the environmental flow limit and was not sufficient both for fish movement and the conservation of the river ecosystem (which is a river in a specially protected area of nature). In low-water seasons this structure causes doubts in terms of unhindered fish movement (especially for small-sized fish in the last stair).
- About 1600 out of 1740 meters of the pressure pipeline of “Khachardzan” SHPP runs through the territory of “Dilijan” National Park. Under the project, it should be underground. Nevertheless, actually two 1740-meter-long pipelines with 700-milimeter diameter are completely above the ground, which distorted the natural landscape of a specially protected area. The pipeline hinders the natural movement of wild animals along its length.
- In line with the project solutions in the SHPP building, three turbines of local production were installed in the building, but only one was operating. According to SHPP administration, three turbines operate only in April-May months.
- Only SHPP turbine substation is fenced, where one turbine is installed.
- In line with the project, a toilet with a water-proof well is installed for sewage discharge.
- According to the project, it’s planned to plant 15 pine trees and meadow greening, which actually hasn’t been performed. The pastures of Khachardzan community are located in neighborhood to the SHPP.
- The requirement of free water usage is not performed, as the surface pipeline of the SHPP blocked the entrance to the river.
- A ruler is installed in the water intake, which is sealed, according to the company representatives.
- The water intake section didn’t have a water-measuring device sealed by a relevant environmental body.
- Semi-automatic management system operates in the station.
- Automatic management system of the water level in the water intake is missing.
- The State Environmental Inspection fined the SHPP in the amount of 200,000 AMD in 2015.
Proposals
- To make the structure of the fish pathway compliant with the natural requirements of the fish living in the river.
- To review the calculated and environmental flow limits for the SHPP and fix in the water usage permit both the environmental flow and the water amount allotted monthly to the SHPP.
- The surface pipes of 1.6 km (2 pieces 700 millimeters) can cause additional obstacles to the free movement of the mammals and other animals living in “Dilijan” National Park. It’s necessary to take measures aimed at the conservation of the river and ground ecosystems (with the consultation or participation of proper specialists).
- To install a water-measuring device sealed by a relevant environmental body and to introduce automatic management system of the water level.
- To conduct greening works in the area of the station.
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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".
August 18, 2015 at 15:37