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Conditions set by the Minister for the Environment - Summary
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| Monday November 4. 2002 |
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The Icelandic Minister for the Environment has approved Kárahnjúkar Power Plant, with a list of twenty conditions. Landsvirkjun, as the developer, figures the conditions increase the cost of construction by 2-3% and reduce the energy generating capacity of the power plant by 4%.
Two of the conditions matter most:
- Several diversions will not be carried out, particularly in Phase 2 of the hydroelectric project, so as to lower its environmental impact. This means much less curtailment of the open expanses surrounding Snćfell mountain.
- The design and arrangement of the largest dam holding Hálslón are modified so that overflow water will run into Hafrahvammagljúfur canyon. Not only will flow through the canyon during the late summer of most years remain similar after development, but damage is avoided that would stem from an overflow through Desjarárdalur valley.
Among other conditions of the Minister are the following:
- constantly inspecting and evaluating the effectiveness of mitigating measures against blowing sand
- compiling a plan on revegetation and land improvements in the impact area of Kárahnjúkar Power Plant outside of Hálslón
- monitoring bird populations in part of the power plant's impact area, in consultation with the Icelandic Institute of Natural History
- research on layers of sediment in the reservoir site for Hálslón - to be completed before construction is finished
- various further research on natural conditions in the region, in consultation with the Icelandic Institute of Natural History, along with monitoring of benthic fauna in the bay Hérađsflói after the hydroelectric development, and monitoring to assess the plant's impact on reindeer stocks.
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