Response of EPCG to the announcement made by certain non-governmental organizations about the alleged devastation of wetland meadows and endangering of flora and fauna species caused by execution of works in the field of Niksic

During development of project documents, EPCG implemented the environmental impact assessment procedure. At our request, the Environmental Protection Agency informed us in return that this type of mentioned works requires no development of the concerned EIA.

In order to clarify project activites and consider other interested parties, the meeting with representatives of the non-governmental sector was held in EPCG (Centar za zaštitu i proučavanje ptica (NGO ‘Center for Protection and Research of Birds’), Župa u srcu (NGO ‘Župa in the Heart’), Društvo mladih ekologa (NGO ‘Association of Young Ecologists’)). It has been agreed that these NGOs submit their comments, suggestions and proposals concerning their area of activity, with EPCG being ready to consider them. However, despite the agreement made we still have not received any materials.  

Being a socially responsible company, EPCG is ready to discuss all the substantiated proposals and suggestions made by the relevant institutions, NGO sector included, and we are eager to receive the promised documents.

Let us remind that the canals were built back in 1961 and there has been no large-scale reconstruction or remediation since. The ongoing remediation is performed for the purpose of ensuring safe and secure operation of HPP Perućica, reduction of water losses from canals and improvement of the condition of embankments. Moreover, the canals in question are situated in Vrtac retention, a floodplain which is filled with water and dewatered on several occasions throughout the year by use of water from the Zeta River as well as overfrows from reservoirs Krupac and Slano.

The entire area of Vrtac retention, including the area where the works are performed, has been in EPCG’s possession since 1950s when the overall hydro-energy system was created.