During the second day of operation of El Quimbo, the environmental conditions remain stable with no fish mortality or impacts on the fish farming activity in Betania associated with the operation of the hydroelectric power plant.
Proper oxygen levels
The oxygen levels of the water entering the Betania Reservoir remain above the values admissible by the Colombian environmental legislation for these bodies of water, 4 mg/l. Meanwhile, the pH level, that is to say, the measurement of the acidity or alkalinity is also within standard values, between 6 and 9, with no change in levels.
The measurements carried out near cages where fish farming is carried out, located by the tail of the Betania Reservoir, led to the identification of dissolved oxygen values of 5 mg/l or higher there.
Contrary to what some people have said, keeping the tailrace at full capacity and in permanent operation is what has helped the oxygen levels in the water entering the Betania Reservoir to exceed the values considered admissible by the Colombian environmental legislation.
The emission of odors has increased slightly, as forewarned by the Company, due to the conditions of the water. The levels are very low and do not represent any impacts for the inhabitants in the area.
In fact, yesterday, families carried out recreational activities along the Magdalena River in an area near the operation of the Plant - Paso El Colegio Bridge. These activities demonstrated that there have been no disturbing situations for people (see photos attached hereto).
No fish mortality
Up to now, there has been no fish mortality. The results of the measurements carried out by EMGESA have reflected no numbers or warnings that would lead to the thought that there would be any mortality or illnesses in the Betania Reservoir. However, it is important for the fish farmers to follow the recommendations provided by the aquaculture and fishing authorities.
During the tour carried out on Monday, January 11 to confirm the conditions downstream from El Quimbo, 23 dead fish were collected, equivalent to 46 grams in weight. The dead fish belong to the sardine species, with an average length between 2 and 9 cm. They were subsequently disposed of properly.
Inlows whithin the standards
In turn, the water inflow coming into the Betania Reservoir has exceeded the values suggested by the AUNAP, at around 180 m3/s.
Measurements were reactivated with police assitance
With regard to the measurements that were suspended yesterday at two points due to fishermen who were making it impossible to take samples, they were reactivated at around 8 a.m. yesterday and until 5 p.m. the same day, thanks to Police support, which allowed EMGESA to resume the sampling in order to carry out the corresponding quality analyses and to continue to report tranquility as regards the water entering the reservoir.