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 “Smbul” SHPP. “Smbul” SHPP is located in the administrative area of Angeghakot community, Syunik Region. The SHPP carries out its water intake from the spring called “Smbul Jur”. It’s operated by “Smbul” LLC.
The “Environmental Expertise” SNCO of Nature Protection Ministry doesn’t have the SHPP construction project. According to the SHPP representative, this SHPP has been constructed with the USAID support.
As a result of the monitoring, the expert group found out:
· The SHPP has been operating since 2007.
· According to the certificate issued by the Public Services Regulatory Committee on 1 October 2015, the estimated pressure of the SHPP is 58.9 m. The estimated yield used by the SHPP is 0.15 m3/s, projected capacity – 1 MW, the factual useful delivery of the electricity is 0.9 million kWh. According to the SHPP representative, the estimated production was about 4.8 million kWh, duration of license - 20.04.2007- 20.04.2022 , water usage permit 20.04.2007- 20.04.2022.
· The real coordinate of the SHPP water intake point complies with the coordinate laid down in the water usage permit. The water discharge coordinate is not mentioned in the water usage permit.
· The water intake is carried out with dam method. The length of the dam is 8 meters, its height is 1.5 meters.
· There is no fish passway. According to the SHPP representative, the absence of the fish passway is conditioned with the fact that water course is absorbed half way.
· There is a net installed near the entrance of the aqueduct pipe.
· The water usage permit doesn’t mention water intake and environmental flow water amounts. According to the SHPP representative, the environmental flow is 10 l/s. During the monitoring, the expert group members couldn’t see any water course in that section where environmental flow should have been.
· According to “Computation Center” CJSC data, in 2014 “Smbul” SHPP operated for 12 months in 2014 and produced 961468 kW electricity.
· According to the certificate issued by the Public Services Regulatory Committee on 1 January 2015, the length of the derivation pipeline is 351 meters, while its diameter is 0.325 meters. The pipeline is made of steel, and it’s over the ground.
· At the moment of observation, only one of the turbines was operating at the station.
· Automatic water intake management and registration was not ensured.
· There is no water-meter sealed by a relevant environmental body in the water intake. According to the SHPP representative, there is an Italian water meter installed, which is sealed with lead.
· The transformer substation is fenced, but the station area is not. The transformer is not equipped with oil-collecting system.
· According to the SHPP representative, they have planted 250 trees.
· The SHPP has one employee.
Proposals
· To fix the amount of the environmental flow and to take measures to ensure it in mandatory manner
· To bury the pipeline under the ground
· To equip the transformer with an oil collector
· To ensure automatic management and online control of water intake and environmental flow.
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Photos by Levon Galstyan
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".
March 04, 2016 at 17:19