Stop all activities related to the construction of hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) on the middle section of the Sava River in Slovenia. Acquire the ability – as citizens and as locals – to cooperate and participate in the decision-making process involved in construction projects that delve into our living space. Prevent environmental destruction and to conserve our quality of life, as well as our drinking water.

WHAT IS THE MOTIVATION OF THE INVESTORS BEHIND THIS PROJECT AND WHERE DO THEY WANT TO CONSTRUCT THE HPPs?

The investor intends to construct multiple hydroelectric power plants along the middle section of the Sava River, causing irreparable damage to the environment and local communities, thus forever changing the character and appearance of the surrounding landscape.

The concession for the exploitation of the river for the purpose of hydro energy has already been signed for the entire section of the Sava River from Ježice to Suhadol. But the agreement (outlining how the concession will dictate the regulation and use of water for the production of electricity on the section ranging from Ježica to Suhadol) includes only 4 out of 7 municipalities that will be affected by HPP projects.

Any additional potential locations for hydroelectric power plants between Litija and Medvode could be added to the agreement with just a signature in an annex, which would not threaten the agreement itself.

WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE WOULD HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS CAUSE TO THE ENVIRONMENT AND PEOPLE?

Decrease in groundwater levels →  With the construction of a hydroelectric power plant and dams, the underground water flows that fill the groundwater sources of cities and surrounding areas gets interrupted, which in the long term means a decrease of drinking water for the population.

Accumulation of sludge → It is necessary to dispose of the sludge that accumulates in front of the dam of a hydroelectric power plant. This sludge accumulates a vast amount of toxic metals, which are poisonous to animals as well as people. The municipality of Litija will be responsible for finding a location to deposit this toxic sludge.

More foggy days in a year, which also have an effect on farming crops.

Unpleasant smell.

A noticeable increase in the mosquito population.

An increased risk of large-scale flooding.

The production of greenhouse gases, due to decomposing organic matter underwater.
Due to the sudden water level fluctuations, the safety of animals is endangered but also the safety of people.

The spreading of foreign (invasive) organisms.

The aesthetic devastation of landscapes.

WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE WILL HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS CAUSE TO THE NATURAL HABITAT?

The middle segment of the Sava River is extremely biologically diverse with aquatic and riparian habitats. Meanders, gravel beds, pebble islands, oxbow lakes and wetlands provide habitat for many rare and endangered plant and animal species. Therefore, the middle Sava has been declared a Natura 2000 ecological site. The consequences of multiple HPPs here will be:

Ruined natural habitat and population of 5 important bird species the Common Merganser overwinters on the middle Sava in great numbers, comprising of a large portion of the Slovenian nesting population; the Common Sandpiper and the Little Ringed Plover live only on the scarce and rare remaining gravel bars; the Common Kingfisher and Sand Martin nest in the sandy walls along the river, created mainly by natural higher water.

Destruction of natural habitat and population of IUCN endangered salmonid fish species: Huchen The Huchen (Danube salmon) population in the middle Sava is the most vital in Slovenia, and the middle Sava is one of the largest and most important river sections for the wild Huchen population worldwide..

Water overheating → Due to both the slowed flow of the river and the sludge, water temperature increases, negatively impacting the fauna and flora in the river.

Mass die-offs of organisms in river shallows Due to the unnatural, rapid fluctuation of the river level, fish eggs, shellfish, fish fry and other inhabitants of the river remain on dryland and die.

Many fish species will be unable to migrate and spawn and terrestrial animals will be unable to cross the river when it becomes a reservoir. 

IS THE CONSTRUCTION OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS THE BEST SOLUTION FOR OUR ELECTRICITY NEEDS?

No, claims to urgently construct HPPs for the generation of electricity are misleading and wrong. In reality, it is for the interest of investors that want to profit from these projects. Under the pretext of achieving renewable energy targets, energy companies are damming rivers, when solar, wind and geothermal energy which have a greater potential is being explored too little or not at all. Instead of sticking to the European Green Deal to restore rivers and return rivers to their natural state, Slovenia is doing the very opposite – destroying rivers. In addition, due to climate change, the water content of rivers is decreasing each year, so the construction of hydroelectric power plants are a extremely  inefficient solution, which will have lasting and devastating consequences for people, the river and animals. »In this day and age, the construction of new HPPs is environmentally and socially unacceptable«, Prof. Dr. Mihael Jožef Toman, University of Ljubljana, Department for Biology.

Sign the petition to defend our right to take part in the decision-making related to harmful encroachments on our living space and to preserve a healthy living environment for us and generations to come!

 

WHAT DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE
WITH THE PETITION? 

 

  • Stop all activities related to the construction of hydroelectric power plants (HPPs) on the middle section of the Sava River in Slovenia.
  • Acquire the ability – as citizens and as locals – to cooperate and participate in the decision-making process involved in construction projects that delve into our living space.
  • Prevent environmental destruction and conserve our quality of life, as well as our drinking water.

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We have 2567 out of 5000 signatures.

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