The Nam Ou drainage basin hydropower project in Laos, built by POWERCHINA Resources Ltd, recently cleaned up drifting objects in the reservoir to protect the water environment despite the COVID-19 epidemic.
A lot of measures regarding epidemic prevention and control as well as personnel management were taken to ensure the smooth implementation of the cleanup.
The Nam Ou drainage basin boasts lush vegetation. Laos' No. 13 national trunk highway runs nearby, and many villages are located along the way. Every year in the rainy season, a large volume of deadwood and domestic garbage flows into the reservoir area of the hydropower station with precipitation. In addition, the upstream power station's drainage during the flood season causes a large number of floating objects to move into the reservoir.
The floating objects that gather in front of the dam of the power station can easily block the water inlet if they are not cleaned up in time. Floating trees hitting the dams and gates also threaten the safety of hydraulic structures and bring hidden dangers to the power station.
In addition, the floating objects may cause eutrophication of water quality after long-term soaking and decay, giving rise to ecological damage in the reservoir area.
To avoid these problems, the project company organizes a professional team to clean up floating objects in the reservoir area after the annual floods.
POWERCHINA upholds the concept of ecological conservation, fulfills its social responsibilities, and gives top priority to environmental protection in Laos.
Removal of floating material in the reservoir area is part of the company's efforts of ecological protection of the river basin, which has been affirmed by many government departments in Laos.
The floating objects are transported to designated locations for harmless disposal.
