Controversy about Dong Nai 6 and 6A hydropower

The scientific community is having mixed opinions about the construction of Dong Nai 6 and 6A hydropower projects which have a small impact on the environment and the ecological impact of Cat Tien National Park.

Location of two hydropower projects on the ladder
Dong Nai river hydropower. (Graphic: Nguyen Van Sy)

At the seminar on environmental issues related to Dong Nai 6 and 6A hydropower projects held by the Association of Natural and Environmental Protection (VACNE) yesterday, Dr. Nguyen Dinh Hoe, the head of the committee criticized VACNE insist. There should be no extreme attitude when evaluating projects based on harmonious sustainable development.

Dr. Hoe supported the project but investors need to take appropriate measures in dealing with the environment and the people in that area. According to him, the hydropower projects 6 and 6A have had an impact on the environment but not as seriously as the public opinion department evaluated.

'Cat Loc area (rhino conservation area) is nearly 31,000 ha, with an area of ​​137ha for hydropower projects 6 and 6A (accounting for 0.44%), which has little effect on animal habitat. This area also becomes a new wetland ecosystem, contributing to ecological diversity in Cat Tien National Park , 'Hoe analyzed.

Two hydropower projects are about 50km from Cat Tien National Park, nearly 70km from Bau Sau, so they are not affected. It also did not cause water depletion for Tri An hydropower plant, Mr. Hoe said.

Dr. Hoe noted: 'The environmental impact assessments should only be criticized when the project is approved, and Dong Nai 6 and 6A hydropower projects have not yet been approved. That is not to mention, it is normal for a report to assess environmental impact to do it. '

At the workshop, many opinions were suggested that the environmental impacts of the two hydropower projects are yes but not large. If the comparison between the gain and loss is compared, allow the project to be implemented.

Scientists fear that the two projects of Dong Nai 6 and 6A hydropower will affect
to animals, including the rare and precious extinct rhino. (Photo: WWF)

Mr. Do Duc Quan, Deputy Director of Energy Department - Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that with the average loss of forest area for 1 MW of hydropower is 4 ha, the number of 137 ha of forest lost to 240 MW of this project. lower than other projects.

'We want scientists to objectively assess negative impacts like public opinion or not. If more is lost, it should be exchanged , "Mr. Quan emphasized.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tran Van Thanh, Director of Cat Tien National Park expressed, standing at the conservation perspective does not fully support this project, so it is necessary to harmonize economic and conservation problems.

'In terms of conservation, Cat Tien National Park should not have one more. This is the only place in Vietnam where visitors can directly observe the bison, deer . walking at night. '

'If you make a building that breaks down the environmental landscape, will the negative impact on the cave system and the rich flora of the park be?' , Mr. Thanh expressed.

Dr. Vu Ngoc Long, deputy director of the Institute of Tropical Biology, said in the presentation to the workshop that the construction of the two hydropower projects could lead to water depletion in the dry season and heavier floods. in rainy season.

'The center of Cat Tien district town is located downstream which is already a flood. If the two dams of Dong Nai 6 and 6A discharge the flood, it will cause flood and flood, Cat Tien will seriously damage such as the downstream areas of A Vuong, Ba and Da Nhim rivers , " said Dr Long.

Besides, the construction of the two hydropower plants according to Mr. Long will also lead to a shortage of water in the Dong Nai river basin, especially making the downstream saline intrusion become more serious, threatening security. food and social security in the Dong Nai river basin.

Dong Nai 6 hydropower project has a large capacity of 241MW, a land occupancy rate of 1,545 ha / MW, a power output of 929.16 million KWh, nearly equal to the electricity consumption of 3 provinces of Lam Dong, Dac Nong and Binh Phuoc . The research process, selecting the optimal plan with a total capacity of 241 MW, total investment of nearly VND 5,700 billion, total electricity output of nearly 1 change the project of a two-step hydropower project named Dong Nai 6 and Dong Nai 6A billion kWh / year. Works by Duc Long Gia Lai Group for investment in this project.