Administration of Croatian energy company Hrvatska Elektroprivreda (HEP) kept from Croatian public negative results of construction influence study and HPP Ombla’s work at ecology network made by consultant company WSP. Instead of accepting the consultants’ expert opinion which itself engaged together with European bank for reconstruction and development (EBRD), HEP’s administration tries in every way to change the study that HPP Ombla construction depends on.
It was partly successful, so WSP changed part of its previous study afterwards. He changed the part that refers to risk of flooding Vilina spilja. WSP experts still think that there is a risk from endangering fauna life on this location. Negative opinion about HE Ombla construction is the reason for HEP haven’t published its controversial study, although it has announced it several times. Study of HE Ombla’s work and influence on ecology network was finished in November.
Thinking forward with positive attitude, HEP sent a letter to Minister of Environmental Protection Mihael Zmajlovic to ask him to hold a presentation of research work results. Presentation supposed to be held in the Ministry of Environmental Protection on 22 November 2012, but it was suddenly cancelled. Not even Minister Zmajlovic knew why presentation was cancelled at the last minute. A short explanation was sent to him from HEP: “WSP won’t be able to present results of the study in the previously determined term”. New term for the study presentation to Minister of Environmental Protection has not been appointed yet. People in the ministry are worried because information about negative results for HE Ombla construction spread to them also.
HEP got several answers that say 3D model is still being constructed when he asked about the study. Globus’s reliable information showed that 3D model is finished and moreover it indicates possible risk of HE Ombla construction. Study, ordered by HEP and EBRD’s and done by WSP, was finished in November. Globus exclusively got insight in controversial study where is written that “flow regime change will happen because of HE Ombla construction and that will cause negative influence on life of water fauna”.
Source Serbia Energy SEE Desk/HEP