The Technical Analysis Commission (CAT) of the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests (MMAP) issued, on Monday, the environmental agreement for the second stage of the Cerna - Motru - Tismana hydropower project, located on the territory of the communes of Pestisani, Tismana, Godinesti, Ciuperceni and Câlnic (Gorj County).
"This decision is an example of how energy infrastructure development and environmental protection can go together when there is professionalism, institutional cooperation and strict compliance with the rules. We are not talking about compromises, but about correct technical solutions, built on serious impact assessments and alternatives with minimal effect on the environment. We support projects that are done legally, transparently and responsibly, with respect for nature and communities. When things are in order, they move forward. It is important to mention that today's CAT decision was taken with the agreement of all representatives of the ministries and institutions involved in the analysis", declared, in a statement, the Minister of Environment, Waters and Forests, Diana Buzoianu.
According to the relevant ministry, the issuance of the environmental permit was carried out in accordance with national legislation and European Union norms, based on three specialized studies: the Impact Assessment Study on Water Bodies; the Appropriate Assessment Study; the Environmental Impact Report, documentation that substantiated the selection of a project alternative with minimal environmental impact.
The project aims to complete some components of the hydrotechnical development initially approved by Council of Ministers Decision No. 1611/1974 and has as its main objective the safety of the Vâja dam at the intermediate elevation of 572 mdM, at which the dam is already built.
"The implementation of this solution ensures the safe operation of the existing infrastructure, the increase in hydroelectric power production capacity by optimizing the operation of the Clocotis HPP and the protection of downstream localities in the event of floods. At the same time, the selected project alternative eliminates lateral and longitudinal fragmentation on the Tismana River, ensuring the connectivity of the watercourse and protecting the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. Measures to prevent, reduce and monitor the impact on the environment are integrated both for the period of execution of the works and for the operation phase of the development. The participation of the public and interested parties in the procedural stages, including in the public debates, contributed to the configuration of a balanced technical solution, based on scientific data, specialized analyses and clear environmental protection criteria," specifies the Ministry of Environment.
The institution's representatives emphasize that energy infrastructure development and environmental protection are not opposing objectives, but can be coherently integrated when projects are built correctly, comply with the law, and are based on rigorous and transparent evaluations.
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