The rivers Chachagua and Chachaguita are considered potential sources of hydroelectric power by national utility firms such as ICE, Fuerza y Luz and private co-ops. Members of the community in Chachagua in San Isidro de Penas Blancas are not in agreement.

Earlier this week, hundreds of residents of Chachagua protested their displeasure at different plans to develop hydroelectric plants on their beloved rivers. They cite the environmental damage caused by the dredging and modification of the river’s flow, as well as by the different dams, tunnels, canals, and machinery involved with a hydroelectric project.

Neighbors of Chachagua point towards the rivers Balsa and Penas Blancas as examples of the damage: flooding, loss of aquatic and mammal life, and excessive sedimentation; all which have a negative impact on rural tourism and on the enjoyment of the rivers by the community. On the shores of those two rivers, dozens of signs block access to them: Do Not Enter, Private Property, Keep Out, etc.

Finding Support

The community has invited several environmental protection groups and news media outlets to document the situation. The University of Costa Rica arrived, as well as Oil Watch and UNOVIDA. Teletica and Channel 15 from the UCR were on hand to film and broadcast the community’s message. Member of other communities from as far as Upala arrived to show their solidarity.

Community leader Otto Mendez Vargas explained to El Pais that one of the companies involved in the hydroelectric project made an underhanded job offer to him. His reply was: “I would rather die in abject poverty rather than work for the businesses that are causing these damages.”

Hydroelectric energy is a staple of Costa Rica, and the country has been lauded by the international community for its commitment to harvesting power from a green energy source. Emissions from hydroelectric energy production are negligible, and it is considered a renewable source. The environmental impact that the Chachagua community cites, however, it undeniable.

When it comes to finding new energy and mineral sources, our communities are increasingly speaking out against the potential environmental impact. Demand for electricity in Costa Rica will continue, something that has prompted regulators and the private industry to come up with solutions like the wind power farms that The Costa Rica Star wrote about in a previous article. While a wind farm leaves a reduced carbon footprint in Costa Rica, the impact to other countries -such as China- would be significant.