Controversial Amazon Dam Approved
Controversial Amazon Dam Approved
The Brazilian equivalent of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Ibama, has approved the construction of the Belo Monte power dam, despite the objections of native Indians and conservationist groups. The consortium undertaking the $17 billion project received licenses from Ibama to clear 588 acres of forest land in the Amazon and begin construction of the dam.
The agency said that the 11,000-megawatt producing dam, which is tentatively scheduled to start producing electricity in 2015, will be a vital source of power for Brazil's rapidly-expanding economy. Norte Energia, the consortium that placed the winning bid to build the dam, consists of several local construction companies, a large Brazilian pension fund called Petros, and a state-run utility company called Electrobras.
The idea for the dam was originally conceived of some 30 years ago, but protests and regulatory hurdles have delayed the project's start. Critics of the dam include Greenpeace, as well as Hollywood celebrities such as James Cameron and Sting, who argue that the dam will cause irreparable harm to the local environment and have a negative impact on people living in the region.
The dam, which will stretch 3.75 miles, will reportedly displace at least 30,000 people living on riverbanks, partially dry up a 60-mile stretch of the Xingu River, and flood an area three times the size of Washington, D.C.
The Brazilian equivalent of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Ibama, has approved the construction of the Belo Monte power dam, despite the objections of native Indians and conservationist groups. The consortium undertaking the $17 billion project received licenses from Ibama to clear 588 acres of forest land in the Amazon and begin construction of the dam.
The agency said that the 11,000-megawatt producing dam, which is tentatively scheduled to start producing electricity in 2015, will be a vital source of power for Brazil's rapidly-expanding economy. Norte Energia, the consortium that placed the winning bid to build the dam, consists of several local construction companies, a large Brazilian pension fund called Petros, and a state-run utility company called Electrobras.
The idea for the dam was originally conceived of some 30 years ago, but protests and regulatory hurdles have delayed the project's start. Critics of the dam include Greenpeace, as well as Hollywood celebrities such as James Cameron and Sting, who argue that the dam will cause irreparable harm to the local environment and have a negative impact on people living in the region.
The dam, which will stretch 3.75 miles, will reportedly displace at least 30,000 people living on riverbanks, partially dry up a 60-mile stretch of the Xingu River, and flood an area three times the size of Washington, D.C.
Antlers
Comments
Top Stories
Latest DT's
-
1 month ago by Geno -
1 month ago by dallaseste
-
1 month ago by Geno
-
1 month ago by Geno
-
1 month ago by Geno
-
1 month ago by Geno
-
1 month ago by Geno
-
1 month ago by Geno
-
2 months ago by dallaseste
Top Authors
Subscribe
Games
Alias
3 Foot Ninja 2
ALIAS 2
Air Dodge
Battle Tanks
Bomber Bob
Cable Capers
Gem Mania
Hacker
Hostile Skies
Mission Mars
Bowling
Samurai Warrior
The Pharoh's Tomb
Monkey Lander
Muay Thai
Action
Donkey Kong Banana Barrage
501 Dart Challenge
Rooftop Skater
Zelda
Donkey Kong
Xtreme Pinball
Tetris
Connect 4
Battleships
Frogger
Penguin Push
Online Video Poker
Spank The Monkey
Mob Pay Back
Dealer
Yeti Sports Seal Bounce
Hold Your Drink Steady
Solitaire
Canyon Glider
3D Sudoku
Metal Slug Rampage
Street Fighter II
Flashman
Disc Golf
Table Tennis
Ninja Air Combat
Celebrity Hitman Terrorist Alert
Spider Solitaire
Tubin
Presidential Knockout
Global Player
Ma Balls
Baseball
Beckham Fit
0 Comments
Click here to sign up now.