The body overseeing the area known as "les écrins", near Briançon in theFrench Alps, held a public briefing yesterday during which they confirmed many future hydroelectric projects. There are no less than 23 projects formicro power generation in the files. [color=red:2185fc4ddf][b:2185fc4ddf]The Gyr, the Onde and the Biaysse[/b:2185fc4ddf][/color:2185fc4ddf] are threatened.
The total extent of these proposals will be announced on July 25th. This is a true catastrophe for our national heritage and for local tourismwhich relies on this whitewater. Them not being aware of this isincomprehensible and stupid.
If you are in the area on Tuesday July 25, please come to the holiday village of Ecrins d'Azur at Pelvoux at 5 p.m.There will be a free barbecue and we will then attend the meeting together.
We want kayakers and other people to be present in substantial numbers toshow our opposition to these projects. Let us know if you will attend on the 25th in Pelvoux to show youropposition to these projects!
You can also leave your messages of support on this blog

[color=yellow:2185fc4ddf]sosrivierespaysdesecrins.blogspot.com/ [/color:2185fc4ddf]

We will keep you informed of the results of this meeting and any futureaction that we are considering.
Malik [mail address protected from spambots with javascript]

do not hesitate to leave your messages of support over the blog

i've only paddled the alps once and it was amazing!!

don't let them do it!

I have posted a reply on the blog as i will not be able to make it there!

Everyone please reply to the blog or get your arse there if you can as this would be diastorous for the european paddling community let alone the loqacl tourism industry from all the paddlers who go to the area year after year

The project is thus the following:
Hydrant: It would be done (or will make) directly at the exit of the power station of Claux (upstream of Pelvoux), without stopping, subject to agreement EDF. Pressure pipe: Diameter 1.40 m Buried. It will go down mainly out of left bank from Gyr with 2 crossings from river. The Power station: Site is envisaged with the dessuis TWIN WHEEL GYR, one presented pleasant a small country cottage to us, integrated in the landscape and on completely isolated well so that it do not have there a sound nuissance Turbinate flow: It is envisaged to harness 2.5 m3 with a 3 hours interruption to make it possible the boats to sail (not of precision over the hours. The project envisages not to go down under level 0 on a scale Gyr. The reserved flow of Gyr is 0.5 m3 on an annual medium flow between 3 and 14 m3. Production: Output capacity of 2.000 KW for a productibility of 10 million KW. Some economic aspects: * Investment envisaged between 4 and 4.5 million euros. * Engage of 2 part-time people. * Work of the local companies for the installation. * Annual income by the bieis of the professional tax: * 60.000 € to be divided between Pelvoux and Vallouise * 47.000 € for the comcom * 50.000 € the Council General of the High Alps * 14.000 € Area PACA That is to say a mythical course for 172.000 € per annum the PROJECT takes into account the total context of the river (in the order of importance): * Rights of water (mills and channels of irriguation) * The natural transport of alluvium * The sports of water running * Fishing * The micro power station already in function * Integration with the landscape The remainder of the meeting beat about the bush various - message Ci below.
Following this quasi idyllic presentation, we had the right to intervene and put questions: The President of Sociètè of local fishing with specified that there was already far too much stopping (without master key with fish), that the reserved flows were not respected and that one made already “nonenergy” lachers on Gyronde for the kayakers… HYDRODEVELOPPEMENT: Reaffirm that there will be no project if the hydrant is not direct and without stopping. It is stressed that the rivers of the High Alps pay already a heavy tribute for the production of electricity. HYDRODEVELOPPEMENT: The project begins to respect the multi use of water. It is pointed out then (and the elected officials confirms) that the project was proposed to the elected officials and not ordered by them ..... Durability: The authorization of exploitation will be required for 40 years and renewable. for a damping over 10 years. the questions then turn around the harmful effects for the local population over the duration of the work: 3 years A question is put about the interest of this power station for the inhabitants of this valley. HYDRODEVELOPPEMENT: ............................... it is their answer. Does an intervention also raise the little of certainty of this project, HYDRODEVELOPPEMENT begins with many things but why should hope us that these engagements are respected???????? A last interressant point: it was often proposed the fact that EDF also has a project of hydroelectricity on Gyr… and that it would be less favorable for the various users than that of HYDRODEVELOPPEMENT.