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 “Vahan” SHPP. “Vahan” SHPP is located in Gegharkounik Region, in the administrative area of Aygut community. The SHPP is constructed on the Karatoprak tributary to the Getik River. It’s operated by “Erik SHPP” LLC. The expert group couldn’t climb up the head section of the SHPP because of road inaccessibility. The observations were carried out in the station.
As a result of the monitoring, the expert group found out:
- The SHPP has been operating since 2012.
- According to the project, the static pressure of the SHPP is 520 m, estimated pressure – 450 m, estimated yield is 350 l/s. According to the project, the projected capacity of the SHHP is 1300 kW. According to the PSRC, as of 01.01.2016 the factual useful delivery of the electricity is 1.352715 million kWh, the estimated production of the SHPP is 4.56 million kWh, according to the project, duration of license - 30.05.2012-30.05.2027, water usage permit - 24.11.2011-24.03.2012.
- A water intake of Tyrolean type has been constructed in the water intake section. But the working project of the SHPP presents the structure of the water intake with water-falling dam and stair-like fish passway.
- Only brown trout can inhabit in the Karatoprak River.
- According to the project, a steel-made pressure pipeline was planned with a diameter of 500 and length of 3500 m. Tree felling has been carried out in the area of laying the pipeline. According to the SHPP Director, around 4-5 trees has been cut down with the permission of “ArmForest” SNCO. The information about the tree felling was missing in the working project and expertise opinion.
- According to the water usage permit, “Vahan” SHPP can carry out water intake all year round ensuring an environmental flow of 0.05 cum/s.
- There are two hydroaggregates of Chinese production installed in the SHHP building.
- SHPP operation is partially automated, which doesn’t ensure entirely optimal operation.
- Transformers are not equipped with oil-collecting system.
- The station area is improved and fenced. Greening works have been carried out.
- A water-proof well has been constructed for the discharge of the wastewater. Garbage bins are placed for the discharge of the household wastes.
- According to “Computation Center” CJSC data, in 2014 “Vahan” SHPP operated for 12 months and produced 1066903 kW electricity.
- The SHPP is located near the Tchambarak forestry enterprise and “Dilijan” National Park.
- In 2014 inspections were carried out in the SHPP and an administrative fine of 200,000 AMD was imposed for not having a water-meter.
Conlusion
- A water intake of Tyrolean type has been constructed, which doesn’t hinder the migration of the fish.
- Stations with such small capacity shall stop their operation in low-water seasons and maximally use water reserves in full-water season.
Proposals
- To find out whether the SHPP carries out water intake in line with the governmental resolution no. 64-N dated on 20 January 2005 on the preservation of ecosystem sanitary, flow formation, underground water preservation.
- To install oil-collectors under the transformers.
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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".
May 03, 2016 at 18:06