Artur Hovhannisyan, Hayots Ashkharh
Disturbing ecological balance
Let’s refer to ecological threats that present small hydropower stations to be constructed on the rivers falling into Lake Sevan. In 2009 the Ministry of Nature Protection of RA was submitted several projects for small hydropower stations, including 2 hydropower stations on the Vardenik River, one hydropower station for Ayrq, Avazan and Getik Rivers each (Gegharkunik Marz), as well as small hydropower stations on Debed and Arpa Rivers.
As it turned out, the licenses for the projects of small hydropower stations on Ayrq, Avazan and Getik Rivers, as well as Litchq River are obtained. All the efforts are directed to obtain a license for the construction of a small hydropower station on Qajaghbyur River…
... In ecological viewpoint, our concern is conditioned by the fact, in the section of the river where water enters the pipe, water flow reduces and ecological balance is disturbed. Even if the water run complies with the norms, nevertheless, the water is not enough to keep the balance...
...It should be noted that the main issue comes from the definition “ecological discharge”. The companies dealing with small hydropower stations naturally try to get maximum profit, i.e. to produce as much electricity as possible and this depends on the volume of water taken from the river. The companies take maximum volume of water.
September 18, 2009