The province’s Council of Ecology and Environment (CODEMA) awaits the presentation of an environmental impact study, as "prior and indispensable" step to the authorization of uranium enrichment by the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA).

Thus, the Technological Complex Pilcaniyeu, today visited by the President of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez, will not be in condition to set up the process reported to fuel nuclear power plants. A public hearing is not ruled out.

Source: ANBariloche

26/10/2010. For almost a month, the province’s environmental protection organisation, CODEMA, has been awaiting the presentation of an impact study from the CNEA ,which will clears doubts on the environmental consequences of the uranium enrichment process that will be put in place in the region by the national organisation. As explained to ANB by Oscar Echeverria, head of CODEMA, the technological complex Pilcaniyeu does not held the relevant provincial permits for the announced process. Today, the President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner visited the plant and said that "the policy of nuclear energy development for peaceful purposes is a state policy in Argentina" (see side note). During a meeting, that Echeverría himself and technicians of the Provincial Department of Water (DPA) held with representatives of the Environmental department of the CNEA, the presentation of a study on the environmental impact, which will provide details of the condition of water restitution at the Pichileufu river after it’s use for cooling purposes during the uranium enrichment process, was agreed upon. Among the questions, also raised by environmental organizations, were ones related to the temperature at which the water will return to and the impact of the potential variation.

Considering the fact that the amount of water that will be taken will not change the flow of the Pichileufu – according to a first report from the DPA, and that the rules and environmental standards do not allow the derivation of effluents into a river, CODEMA may request changes on the project. "CONEA is aware that it cannot start work until it has the technical support" of the province, summarized Echeverría, while was participating at workshops in the province of Chubut.

"We will wait until the end of the year in accordance to the agreed terms" with the national organisation, said Echeverria. Once presented, the Council of Ecology and Environment could summon a public hearing in order to hear the voice of the neighbours of Pilcaniyeu. (ANB)