HES project to wipe out Kurşuncal and Çiseli waterfalls
ISTANBUL (DİHA) - One of the dozens of hydroelectric plants (HES) that are being built across the Black Sea will wipe out two waterfalls amid controversy about a decision that found the preparation of an environmental assessment report (ÇED) for the project unnecessary.
Works to build the Selimiye HES that will be located on the Çukurköy River in the province of Ordu were recently launched after a long legal process that ended through the Council of State’s approval of a non-competence ruling issued by an administrative court. The plant, which will produce less than 1 MW of electricity, will in return dry out the Kurşuncal waterfall, which is the most important of the province with a height of 100 meters. The Çiseli waterfall, also located nearby, is also threatened of drying out following its completion.
For the moment, only trees have been cut, but representatives of local environmental associations say they lack the necessary support to prevent the construction from starting. “Last week, we sent a petition to the Environment and Urbanism provincial directorate of the Samsun province, asking whether the two waterfalls were under protection or not. Fortunately, we can draw public attention as the region is a touristic area,” said Gül Ersan from the Platform for the Protection of Nature and Living Areas in Ordu.
(nt)
