Evaluation of an environmental decision-making process on the Namakhvani HPP cascade
Tbilisi. Social Justice Center (formerly EMC) publishes an analysis of an environmental decision made in regard to the Namakhvani hydropower plant.
“The environmental decision concerns only one part of the two interdependent cascades of Namakhvani hydropower plants - the Lower Namakhvani HPP and does not evaluate the Upper Namakhvani HPP. Separation of permits for interdependent hydropower plants in any form and partial, segregated assessment of the environmental impact of two hydropower plants is a violation and neglect of environmental principles, environmental impact assessment standards. In turn, the environmental decision of the Lower Namakhvani HPP is conditional and contains an obligation of additional submission of important environmental studies. It is prohibited by law to issue an environmental decision without substantive researches, while the existence of studies that must be submitted mandatorily, confirms that the decision was made without conducting a thorough assessment of environmental impact. The environmental impact assessment report does not meet the standards stipulated by law. Geological, seismological and hydrological surveys of the hydropower plant are incomplete and unable to assess the situation on the ground”, - is stated on the website of the organization.
Source: socialjustice.org.ge
