CONSIDER UNDESIRED IMPACTS ON CHAY RIVER ECOLOGY DURING CONSTRUCTION OF BAO NHAI HYDROPOWER PLANT

Abstract

Bao Nhai 1 Hydropower Plant, in the upstream of Chay river, Lao Cai province, with capacity of 14MW; occupying an area of 92,59 ha, majority of which is agricultural and forestry land and water surface. In the process of construction, land clearance (removal of vegetation) and blasting (to break stones) are the main causes affecting the ecosystem in an adverse direction. Through a holistic approach and ecological research methods, the impacts analyzed are: reduced coverage of vegetation, biodiversity, and carbon footprint… In oder to minimize these impacts, it is recommended: planting landmarks on the cleared areas, creating a safety belt when blasting, and throughly disposing of generated waste, etc…