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Hydro projects in chiriquí under scrutiny

Sandra Alicia Rivera/LA PRENSA

watched: Environmentalists are keeping a close eye on two hydroelectric projects in the province of Chiriquí.1099018

Environmentalists visited the sites of hydroelectric projects in Bajo de Mina and Baitú, in the province of Chiriquí, to catalogue the impact each one is having on the surrounding area.

“We are evaluating the projects, and then proceeding to give recommendations, because it's the only thing left we can do,” said Demetrio Miranda, a professor and spokesman for the Asociación de Ambientalistas de Chiriquí. “Because they have already started construction on these facilities, there is little we can do.”

Miranda said the inspections are designed to ensure that the work is being done in a way that is least intrusive upon the environment. A particular point of interest to the environmentalists involves ensuring that trees are not being needlessly cut down.

In his inspection, he found that the company doing the work is trying to preserve as much of the surrounding forest as possible. This will ultimately benefit the company, as the trees will prevent erosion, which will keep the river feeding the hydroelectric projects from becoming clogged with soil.

“The important thing is that, when working in areas that have already been altered, they do not cause more damage,” Miranda said.

The hydroelectric projects are expected to come on line in 2010 or 2011. They will generate a combined 97 megawatts.