Orava Dam to be reconstructed after 70 years in operation

The state-run Slovak Water Management Company (SVP) is launching the reconstruction of the Orava Dam (Zilina region) after 70 years of its operation, the Environment Ministry announced on Tuesday.

The reconstruction and related work to lower the water level will take place during August and September, after which the dam will be refilled to its normal level.

Environment Minister Tomas Taraba (SNS nominee) noted that it's Slovakia's largest dam, which is important not only from the national-economic, but also from the ecological viewpoint. "I guarantee that the protection of the most valuable thing we have in Slovakia, water, is an absolute priority for me. First of all, I want state-run companies to fulfil their role stemming from legislation and to have the money to do so," he said.

Taraba stressed that the measures to be taken will make the structure more effective and reliable during floods. They will also ensure stable supplies of high-quality potable water and contribute to the reliable production of clean electricity from water.

The conclusions of technical and safety supervision showed that reconstructing and replacing the guiding elements of a temporary barrier are necessary. According to SVP general director Jozef Moravcik, the disassembly and subsequent assembly of the guiding elements will be carried out underwater by divers. "This measure is important to minimise restrictions on the dam's operations and on recreation. In this connection, we'll lower the level in the dam below the threshold of 597 metres above sea level, which is two metres below the normal level," said Moravcik.

The water managers have planned the reconstruction work so that it has a minimal impact on traffic. The restrictions have been consulted with the affected municipalities and authorities.

The Orava Dam covers an area of ​​3,347 hectares and contains the largest volume of water in the country, over 367.15 million cubic metres. It is one of 302 dams operated by SVP.

Source: TASR