Probe International - Privy Council to hear appeal against Belize dam

Welcome!

You have requested a document that resides in the member content of Probe International, part of the Probe family of websites. We operate one of the world's largest group of environmental and consumer websites.

To access our archives we ask that you register with us (this is a one-time only registration, following which you will have unlimited access to our member content).

If you have already registered, please login.

If you would like to register, and obtain the document you requested, please select the appropriate category:

The Privy Council UK has ruled favour an appeal against building Chalillo Dam Belize. first environmental case reach such high level.

BACONGO, coalition Belizean environmental groups had submitted petition Privy Council, place an injunction on construction dam until legality environmental impact assessment (EIA), UK firm AMEC, could determined.

The Privy Council, which acts Supreme Court Belize, announced ruling on injunction would made August, full appeal hearing would held December.

Craig Bennett, Corporate Campaigner Friends Earth, told edie: "It very good news appeal will finally heard, but people Belize should not have resort legal action protect their wildlife."

Environmentalists say dam will only provide fraction electricity country needs but destroy habitat many endangered species, subject communities downstream risk dam collapse water pollution.

Probe International, part BACONGO coalition, found EIA AMEC be, "both inaccurate incomplete”, saying "lacked information on which provide an assuredly satisfactory safe structure".

It alleged AMEC played down findings an assessment scientists Natural History Museum, which stated dam would cause irreparable harm number rare animals their habitats.

AMEC denies both claims.

Lawyers Belize Government Belize Electricity Ltd (BEL) argued Chalillo project public interest should allowed proceed. They argued BACONGO not entitled an injunction group would unable pay losses if legal action unsuccessful.

The dam, owned Fortis, Canadian utility, estimated cost US$30 million produce 5.3 megawatts electricity. If these estimates are true, will most expensive electricity South America.