Problem of Novodnestrovsk hydropower node studied by environmental experts

Chisinau, Dec. 8 / MOLDPRES /- In the Dniester river basin there is a change in ecosystem services, with a decrease or, in some cases, the disappearance of a number of fish species, which live only in clean waters, the appearance of new invasive species, which eliminate local species. This is shown in a recent study on the social and environmental impact of the Dniester Hydropower Complex, commissioned by the United Nations Development Program in Moldova and prepared by a group of independent experts, at the request of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Moldova, with financial support of Sweden.

The study mentions that “the water discharged through the turbines of the hydrotechnical node all year round has a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, which causes the disturbance of the natural thermal regime on the middle sector of the Dniester downstream and in the Dubasari reservoir. Uneven discharge of water from storage lakes during the spawning of fish causes a visible change in the water level in the river, and as a result the eggs often end up on a dry surface, dry out and perish.

"As a result of the change in the thermal and hydrological regime of the Dniester waters, the number of species with a low resistance to temperature fluctuations and the hydrological regime has been reduced. Therefore, the self-cleaning capacity is reduced, which generates the reduction of the potential of the Dniester as a recreational environment, affecting the quality of life and the tourist opportunities in the area ", indicates the Ministry of Environment.

Ukraine, from whose territory the Dniester River comes, has been building for several years, on the border with the Republic of Moldova, in Novodnestrovsk, a hydroelectric power plant, whose activity affects the Dniester River ecosystem, causing environmental problems for our country.

During the meeting of the Commission for Sustainable Use and Protection of the Dniester River Basin, held on October 28-29 in Moldova, were highlighted a number of issues and impacts related to the operation of the Dniester Hydropower Complex, which requires clarification and solutions in both countries. , Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The Moldovan side of the Commission has asked the Ukrainian side to comply with several conditions, including ensuring that the water flow is at least 130 m / s, that water volumes are not reduced and that the thermal regime is not changed.

Photo: Ministry of Environment