EcoLur
In the framework of the project entitled “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 “Shaqi” SHPP. “Shaqi” SHPP is located in the administrative area of Shaqi community, Syunik Region, next to “Shaqi” waterfall, a natural monument. The SHPP is constructed on the Shaqi River (length – 17 km). It’s operated by “Hakobjanyan and Galstyan HPP” LLC.
As a result of the monitoring, the expert group found out:
- “Shaqi” SHPP has been put into operation since 1936. The SHPP project is missing in “Environmental” SNCO of Nature Protection Ministry.
- According to the certificate issued by the Public Services Regulatory Committee on 1 January 2015, the static pressure of the SHPP is 54.5 m. The estimated yield used by the SHPP is 2.1 m3/s, projected capacity – 840 MW, the factual useful delivery of the electricity is 3.48827 million kWh, according to the project, the estimated production is 10.2 million kWh (average), duration of license - 25.06.1999-25.06.2029, water usage permit 04.05.2015-16.08.2020.
- The length of the SHPP dam, and its height is 2 meters.
- The water flows into the aqueduct from the left side of the dam, the entrance of which has a garbage-collector with eight-centimeter-long slots. There is no fish-protecting net; the fish passway is also missing.
- The main fish species in the Shaqi River is the brown trout. You can meet the South Caucasus Sprilin, Kura barbell here. In recent years there are fish farms operating on the banks of the river, from where fish are regularly let out into the river, including accidentally. As a result, rainbow trout and the Crussian carp can appear in the river.
- According to the water usage permit, in 2014 “Her-Her 1” SHPP operated for 12 months and could use 126132.0 cum water ensuring 0.08 cum/s environmental flow in the river. The project said that the environmental flow was set 0.04 cum/s.
- According to the water usage permit, “Shaqi” SHPP can use 47304.0 cum water ensuring 0.2 cum/s environmental flow in the river. The water usage permit doesn’t mention the amount of the monthly water intake.
- According to “Computation Center” CJSC data, in 2014 “Shaqi” SHPP operated for 12 months in 2014 and produced 4729805 kW electricity.
- During SHPP operation Shaqi waterfall has been drying out (Shaqi waterfall has been included in the list of the Monuments of Nature of Armenia under RA Government resolution no. 967-N dated on 14 August 2008).
- According to the certificate issued by the Public Services Regulatory Committee on 1 January 2015, the length of the derivation pipeline is 115*2 meters, while its diameter is 0.7 meters. As a matter of fact, the water flows around 120 meters through the aqueduct, then enters 400-meter-long underground tunnel. After the tunnel the water goes down to the SHPP building through two metallic pipes.
- There are two turbines installed in the station and only one was operating at the moment of observation. One of the turbines and generators were of Soviet production.
- There is an electric shield installed in the station.
- There is no automatic management and registration of water intake and environmental flow.
- There is no water-meter sealed by a relevant environmental body in the water intake.
- The transformer substation is fenced, the installed transformer is not equipped with oil-collecting system.
- The station area is improved, greened and planted with trees.
Proposals
1.To ensure automatic management of environmental flow, installation of water-measuring devices and online control of water intake.
2.If needed, to construct a fish passway and to install a fish-protecting net.
3.To review water usage permit: The SHPP water intake affects on the water of “Shaqi” waterfall, a monument of nature. The set environmental flow of 0.2 m3/s is too little and the aesthetic appearance of the waterfall should be regulated through proper regulations not to harm tourism. For this reason, the amount of environmental flow issued in the water usage permit should be reviewed to make it seasonal. Different figures should be set day and night hours. Such a decision should be made in order to take into account the interests of all parties, including that of the developer.
4.To install an oil-collector under the transformer.
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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".
February 26, 2016 at 11:54