OBSERVATIONS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY OF THE CENTRAL HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT CHADN 2 Flora and Fauna

Engineer Agronomist Guido Erlin Araujo Zelada

Notes on the project

Brazil/Peru

Biological evaluation
Birds

Flora
Fauna Mammals Fish Identification of potential impacts

Strategy of.
Programmes of evaluation

Peru currently produces and consumes 4,500 Mw of electricity, adding to that a further 1,600 which is under construction. The 20 core components of the Maran project will produce a whopping 12.480 MW, almost twice as much. Is this project designed to benefit Peru?
The Maran project far exceeds the energy needs of Peru. Just the Pongo de Manseriche plant alone will produce 4,500 Mw, all the electricity currently produced by Peru. The major benefactor of this mega project would be Brazil and Peru, especially the Amazon, will be greatly disadvantaged because of the enormous impacts.
http://diariodeiqt.lamula.pe/2011/08/15/de-corina-su-hijo-el-proyecto-maranon/pacobardales

The big question: If Brazil has many more rivers than Peru, and with good "cashueras" (waterfalls), why would they need the Peruvian hydropower? The answer is easy: They are encountering more and more opposition in their own population to the construction of dams in the Amazon, which have enormous environmental and social impacts. For this reason they are looking to Peru, where they (wrongly) think they have less opposition. We can be forgiven for suspecting also that Odebrecht, Eletrobras, and other companies in the neighboring country will have a big cut of the construction contracts.
http://diariodeiqt.lamula.pe/2011/08/15/de-corina-su-hijo-el-proyecto-maranon/pacobardales

Biological evaluation of the EIS of CHADN 2

About the biological evaluation: The evaluation of the dry season was held between September 9 and 27, 2010 and in the wet season from March 20 to April 3, 2011. Not all the species of flora and fauna are biologically present in such short time periods in which this study was undertaken (only 32 days). A lot of VULNERABLE and ENDEMIC species must have been overlooked. The following statement further demonstrates this: For SOCIAL and LOGISTICAL reasons some of the locations evaluated in the dry season (Zone 4 - The Lucma and zone 3 The Mango), are not assessed in the wet season, being located in areas very close to each other and with similar characteristics (zone 4 - rivera opposite Lucma and zone 3 San Lucas).

FLORA
In terms of flora and vegetation, there were 66 wooded species grouped in 45 genus and 22 families, which were obtained from the plots of evaluation. Also, another 17 species including two species of cacti and 15 herbaceous species. That is a total of 83 species.

Families who had the highest species richness were Fabaceae and Euphorbiaceae, folowed by Cactaceae and Malvaceae, which comprised 60% of the total.
All registered species were expected in these ecosystems. The largest number registered was obtained in the lower part of the basin and, as opposed to other interandean dry forests of the Maran River, less wooded species were present. HOWEVER, IN TERMS OF ENDEMISM, THE NUMBER WAS HIGHER, THE FAMILY CACTACEAE BEING ONE OF THE ENDEMIC SPECIES THAT PRESENTED ITSELF IN THE HIGHEST NUMBER.

Jatropha curcas L., Euphorbia. Pin

Rauhocereus riosaniensis

Espostoa blossfeldiorum

Espostoa superba

Espostoa mirabilis

According to the STUDY OF DIVERSITY AND ENDEMISM OF WOODED PLANTS IN TROPICAL FORESTS DURING THE DRY SEASON IN PERU (Palomino, 2005), it was found that tropical forests in the dry season of the interandean system of the Maran river has 184 wooded species. It also mentions that the Maran river system HAS A SURPRISING NUMBER OF ENDEMIC SPECIES WITH 54 TAXON. He asserts that these findings have direct implications for the planning and implementation of conservation activities, since THIS AREA HAS THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF ENDEMIC SPECIES (MARAON VALLEY), ESPECIALLY BECAUSE MANY OF THEM ARE RAR AND HAVE RESTRICTED DISTRIBUTION.

FAUNA
Regarding insects, those that this study covered in a very brief manner, have not been recorded as protected and/or threatened. In the case of the group consisting of amphibians (frogs) and reptiles (lizards and snakes), there were a total of 20 species in this area: 2 species of amphibians and 18 species of reptiles. THERE WAS ONE SPECIES REGISTERED AS IN THE CATEGORY OF PROTECTED AND/OR THREATENED AND 8 ENDEMIC SPECIES.

Birds
For the bird group, 79 species had been recorded. The bird species richness was high for the ecosystem of the Tropical Forest during the Dry Season (BTES). Species were found which had widespread and also those with restricted distribution. The latter are distributed along the valley of the Maran River. AND IN SOME CASES, THEY ARE DISTRIBUTED ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THIS. THEIR UNIQUENESS, HIGH LEVEL OF ADAPTATION, AND THE SPECIFICITY HAVE ATTACHED GREAT ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE TO THESE BIRDS. The habitat with the highest number of bird species was in the Dry Forest Riverside-Agroecosystems and was followed by the dry forest and thorny scrub and Sabanero. In the latter it was found that the majority of the species are endemic and endangered.

Endemic birds in the Maran

In Peru up to 2008, 1866 kinds of bird species had been identified including 124 endemic species. This means that there are more species of birds in Peru than the U.S. and Europe combined (ECOAN, 2008). Wikipedia (2012) mentions that the avifauna of Peru includes 1879 species. 139 are endemic species. The diversity of birds in Peru represents 20% of the worlds total and over 62% of bird species in South America. Endemism (Williams, 2005) mentions that there are many species distributions which remain unique to Peru. These species tend to live concentrated in habitats, like isolated islands with a habitat similar to where these unique species evolved. These areas, with such concentrations of restricted-range species, are known as Endemic Bird Areas or EBAs (Endemic Bird Areas, as defined by BirdLife International and initially appointed in 1977). In the world, 218 EBAs have been identified 17 being in Peru.

EBA N 6. Maran Valley (Williams, 2005). The Valley of the Maran is one of the biogeografic bifurcaciones that is found in the Andes and is also a EBA which houses 22 species in the restricted range.

Incaspiza laeta, Fringilo-Inca Frenillo Anteado Forpus xanthops, Cariamarillo, conocido como Pacha loro Periquito localmente

Patagioenas oenops, Paloma Peruana.

Turdus maranonica, Zorzal del Maran

Colaptes atricollis, Carpintero de cuello negro.

Leucippus Taczanowskii, Picaflor de pecho manchado.

The diversity and equity values obtained were high. 27 REGISTERED SPECIES (34%) ARE PRESENT IN SOME CATEGORY OF BEING THREATENED AND/OR HAVING LEGAL PROTECTION BOTH DOMESTICALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, AS WELL AS BEING ENDEMIC, with several species of commercial importance, which gives significant importance to this group .

Espinero Dorsicastao (Phacellodomus dorsalis)

Colaespina del Maran (Synallaxis maranonica)

Colaespina Grande (Siptornopsis hypochondriacus)

For the mammal group, there were a total of 27 species, three rodents, 13 bats, and 11 larger mammals. Additionally, through interviews, theyve counted nine species of large mammals including the presence of the OTTER Lontra Longicaudis in Riparian forest habitat. Also the Semistriatus Conepatus skunk, Lycalopex Sechurae Sechura fox and Odocoileus Peruvianus white-tailed deer were the most abundant species in the areas assessed. NINE RECORDED SPECIES ARE IN THE CATEGORY OF BEING THREATENED AND/OR ENDEMISM, highlighting the presence of bats and Lonchophylla Platalina Genovensium Hesperia, little known to the eastern slopes of the Andes, and the endemic rodent Eremoryzomys Polius.

Eremoryzomys polius

The IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, International Union pour la Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in French) assesses the conservation status of the species Eremoryzomys Polius as "Data Deficient", since its not really known, but this status may become threatened because of habitat destruction.

Regarding the water quality indices the results were ACCEPTABLE TO REGULAR.

In the fish group 21 species were recorded in total, 16 in the dry season and 12 in wet season. In both seasons the CHARACIDAE FAMILY WAS DOMINANT AS MUCH IN WEALTH AS IN ABUNDANCE, mainly Hemibrycon huambonicus (dry season) and Knodus orteguasae (wet season), the most common being between both seasons Brycon stolzmanni, Creagrutus Holmi, Hemibrycon huambonicus, Astroblepus supramollis and Chaetostoma aff. branickii. Overall, diversity was low in only about 32 days of study of all of the flora and fauna of the project area. The study also recognizes that found at least one species of importance for socio-economic and ecological value (TO BE IMMIGRATION) are the boquichico Prochilodus nigricans, the zngaro Zungaro zungaro (registration interviews) and gold Brycon sp. (Log in biological samples) and ITS SCIENTIFIC IMPORTANCE BEING ITS NEW FOR SCIENCE a Cordylancistrus carachama sp.

FAMILIA CHARACIDAE

Hemibrycon huambonicus

Knodus orteguasae

Creagrutus holmi Chaetostoma sp.

Astroblepus sp.

Especies Migratorias

Boquichico Prochilodus nigricans

Dorada Brycon sp.

Nueva para la ciencia

Carachama. Cordylancistrus sp.

However, there is a list of some fish with common names which are consumed by the population in this part of the Maran Valley: 1.Barbn (Zngaro), posible Fam. Pimelodidadae, Posiblemente la Especie: Zungaro zungaro. 2.Sapo, posible Fam. Aspredinidae. 3.Boquichico, posible Fam. Prochilodontinae, Posibles especies: Prochilodus nigricans o Ichthyoelephas humeralis. 4.Doncella, posiblemente Seudoplatystoma punctifer o S. faciatum 5.Dorada o Dorado, posiblemente Brachyplatystoma rouseauxii. 6.Bagre, posiblemente de la Fam. Pseudopimelodidae. 7.Carachama (Pez casga), posiblemente Liposercus spp. 8.Callua, an no se ha identificado su familia. 9.Plateada, Posiblemente (Creagrutus holmi). 10.Aguacil, an no se ha identificado su familia. 11.Life, an no se ha identificado su familia. 12.Lancetero, an no se ha identificado su familia. 13.Shagame, an no se ha identificado su familia. 14.Otros, an por identificar.

Doncella, (possibly Seudoplatystoma punctifer o S. faciatum). This species is not mentioned by the EIA, however many people know it with this name. This species also has migratory habits.

The diversity of freshwater fish is estimated at 1200 species (Ortega & Chang, 1998). However, each time a new assessment is made a new species and genera are found especially in the Amazon Basin. Currently, MINAM estimated that the number of valid species can reach 1300 species inhabiting inland waters of Peru (MINAM, 2010).

IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Significant impacts (MODERATE AND HIGH) looking at physical factors in the aquatic environment: CHANGES in the flow regime and channel morphology of the Maran River COULD GENERATE HUGE EFFECTS ON river morphology, water regime and AQUATIC HABITAT, REDUCTION IN WATER VELOCITY GRAVELY AFFECTS THE ECOLOGY AND DYNAMICS OF LIFE AND REPRODUCTION OF NATIVE SPECIES, which happens near all dams in the world where there is a presence of native species of fish.

CHANGES IN THE CONCENTRATION OF TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS AND TURBIDITY of the water cause critical CHANGES in the appearance of the water and in the average conditions of the AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT. DECREASE IN DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVELS in the water caused by the reservoir; This will limit the reproduction and ecology of native species, possibly leading them to extinction in this part of the maraon. CHANGES OR EXTENSIONS OF NITROGEN CYCLE in natural aquatic systems and artificial THAT MAY DEGRADE WATER QUALITY; CHANGES in items of interest that could lead to toxicity or acidity conditions degrading the quality of WATER;

In the executive summary of the EIA of Hydropower Chadin, recognizes that the dam will have significant impacts (MODERATE AND HIGH) BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT summarized below for all stages of the Project:
LOSS AND CHANGES IN COVERAGE OF VEGETATION AND FOREST STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF DRY AND COASTAL HABITAT;

Forpus xanthop (PACHA PARROT) feeding on fruits of Armatocereus rauhii (CACTUS ENDEMIC).

On page 944 of volume 4 mentions that the Maraon river is also an important area of endemism for reptiles. During the baseline study were reported two species of amphibians and 18 reptiles. Of these seven species are endemic TO PERU AND 5 ARE ENDEMIC BS (Dry Forest) OF MARAON In the case of mammals, 27 species were recorded (with 8 additional species interviews) REGISTERING ONLY A MAMMALIAN SPECIES ENDEMIC OF THE CASHEW BS, HOWEVER, THERE IS A GREATER NUMBER OF SPECIES POTENTIALLY PRESENT (EIA study of flora and wildlife Chadin Hydroelectric project LASTED ONLY 32 DAYS, for a project millionaire, do you think?).

CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE HABITAT AND AQUATIC COMMUNITIES. With the construction of the hydroelectric Chadin; With only a few studies of the fish biodiversity of the Maranon, at least three species which are known or are registered would be threatened with extinction because of their migratory habits (Boquichico, Prochilodus nigricans; Doncella, Seudoplatystoma punctifer, Dorado, Brachyplatystoma rouseauxii). Also as a result of damming and the bad practices of some individuals , this can irreversibly affect fish biodiversity of the Maran as with other examples from dams all over the world. Also, we cant ignore the situation in some places where THE NATIVE POPULATIONS ARE DECIMATED FROM INTRODUCING NON-ENDEMIC SPECIES and habits conducive to partially stagnated waters like those by dams. These fish, such as Asian carp, European catfish, and others come from other habitats.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Main measures applicable to the Biological Environment (p. 43)
Rescue Program Cactceas Population and Diversity: Applied during the lifetime of the project, the main object is to minimize the impacts on the population of cacti by removal and relocation, and the conservation of genetic diversity. This program consists ONLY of collecting species and/or propagating them to be relocated elsewhere above the water level of the dam or by waters above the dam, or below. Thousands of these are endemic and this will lead to a loss of much endemic wildlife which will migrate or become extinct. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS PROGRAM DOESNT CONSIDER SPREADING ENDEMIC SPECIES TO REPOPULATE IN THEIR PREVIOUS HABITAT IF AT ANY TIME THE HYDROELECTRIC STRUCTURE IS DEMOLISHED AFTER ITS USEFUL LIFE AND LEFT IN A SIMILAR STATE AS IT WAS FOUND BEFORE THE PROJECT (WOULD THEY?)

Wildlife Rescue and Relocation Program; The object of this program is to recover a sample of individuals to ensure the maintenance of genetic diversity. They are ONLY considering eight species of reptiles and one rodent. In the project description, they mentioned 9 endangered mammals and also the presence of the OTTER Lontra longicaudis in Riparian forest habitat, as well as having recently found a species of anteater (Saras). But there are no plans for them, no rescue programs and propagation. It may be useful to repopulate when the dam will possibly be demolished and the environment restored, but will they do it? And if not? Can you imagine what will happen to them? They dont mention a program knowing that the habitat will change forever.

Programs Rescue and relocation of individuals of fish by river diversion: This plan is designed to prevent mass mortality of individuals of fish being caught in the river to dry remnants. Includes mainly confined individuals capture and transfer to other areas of the river with suitable habitats.

Artificial Breeding Programs and repopulation of areas separated by barrier Dam; This plan is designed to help maintain the flow between fish stocks in areas separated by the dam, especially those who migrate. Includes produce seeds (fry), planted in suitable habitats and monitored for the amount of success of the repopulation.

The study of both migratory fish species and those that are not is NOT COMPLETED, as is explained by the same study and also referred to by MINAM ( with respect to not yet funded research). For the migratory species, so far, there are three, with the possibility of expanding the list, and THOSE WHICH ARE NOT MIGRATORY ARE IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION.

Assessment Programs fish spawning areas, migration routes and Genetic Variation; This plan seeks to determine the importance of the Maran River ONLY DOWNSTREAM of the dam and the LARGEST TRIBUTARIES NEAR IT as important spawning areas and migratory routes for fish. This includes determining basic population characteristics and climatic data collection. This EIA study has not identified migratory species (only by what the local people say), it has not identified new migratory species in this part of the Maranon (biology and ecology of each species), have not yet identified the fish spawning area (or which fish they are, there is not a full list), AND WHAT IS WORSE, RELIABLE CLIMATE DATA HAS NOT BEEN COLLECTED. It is assumed that these studies should have been made during the development of the EIA study ( a 32 day trial for flora and fauna is very little for a serious study and in this aspect this EIA shows no seriousness). There is nothing about fish that get trapped inside the dam, nothing in the aspect of conservation or studies of fish survival.

Compensation Plan; Supporting Conservation Areas:

This plan is intended to compensate for losses in biodiversity by protecting an area of similar size and proportional biodiversity or greater affected. If in the case it did not exist, with the support of management they may develop the establishment of a Protected Natural Area.
All the Maran river will be concessioned, there is a plan to dam the whole river (over 20 dams), one after another, Where will be the Conservation Area?, If this area is of high endemism of flora and fauna, where placed elsewhere, Does Brazil?, if this dam will irreversibly affect the territory celendino (Cajamarca Region) and Region of Amazonas.

ABANDONMENT AND CLOSURE PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (Page 50) The dam is the main component of the Project. Five years until the end of the estimated useful life of the Project, they will assess the scenario of closure to be applied to the installation. Possible scenarios to be evaluated are: DAM REPAIRS, ABANDONMENT WITHOUT REMOVAL OF STRUCTURES, AND THE REMOVAL OF THE DAM. THE EIA STUDY EXPLAINS THAT WITHIN FIVE YEARS TO THE END OF THE ESTIMATED USEFUL LIFE OF THE DAM, THEY WILL EVALUATE WHICH OF THE THREE ABOVE ALTERNATIVES THEY WILL CHOOSE. WE HAVE A SERIOUS DILEMMA. WE ARE AT THE START OF AN ECOLOGICAL DISASTER WITH INCALCULABLE BIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES, AND IN THE EIA FOR CHADIN 2 THEY HAVENT TAKEN THE DECISION! THIS IS VERY SERIOUS TO THE ENDEMIC AREA OF THE MARAON.

Maran River is a River Live!

Thanks. In: Lynda Sullivan.