The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has proposed to re-evaluate the construction of two hydropower projects due to their potential environmental pollution.
Dong Nai 6, Dong Nai 6A will encroach Cat Tien National Park Dong Nai 6, Dong Nai 6A plans, invested by Duc Long Gia Lai Group, were approved by the national electricity development plant for the period 2011-2020, however, scientists have said that the projects encroach on Cat Tien National Park.
According to the MNRE, the environmental impact assessment from the owners has not cleared up very many problems. For example, 372 ha of forest will disappear if two hydropower plants are built. The owners said they will re-forest yet they have not made any proposals to do so.
Though the assessment affirms that the environment in Cat Tien National Park will not be affected it has no has back up information whatsovever.
In addition, several measures designed to minimize the impact on the environment are said to be very weak. For example, the plan to build a water discharge system has not taken into consideration the increasing water demands of the people living downstream.
The constructions will create chances for illegal hunters and pose troubles for the local ethnic groups. Therefore the ministry has asked the government to re-evaluate the plans.
In the mean time, deputy head of Duc Long Gia Lai Group Tran Ba Hiep said, they have withdrawn the assessment from August 1 for further investigation. He also said that Dong Nai 6, Dong Nai 6A plans have the least impact on the environment and highest economic efficiency among the current hydropower projects in Vietnam.
“Our water discharge system has minimized all potential impacts on the environment. Previously, we were seeking opinions from the authorities of Lam Dong, Dak Nong and Binh Phuoc provinces for the best locations for re-forestation. They have just replied that they will arrange land for us soon.” Hiep said. “Two hydropower plants are located in Cat Loc area which has around 2,000 residents and proper infrastructure. The land around this area is also used to plant rubber and coffee so it’s not special-use forest anymore.”
However, Hiep said they will take into account all the suggestions from the MNRE and complete their environmental impacts assessment as soon as possible.
Đăng ký: VietNam News