Hydropower's negative consequences can be rectified by satisfying both power interests and environmental interests. That is what Långå Fiskevårdsområde Förening in Härjedalen claims, which is now presenting ideas, wishes and requirements in connection with the review of water judgments for Ljusnan and Mittån.
To begin with, it is requested that the county administrative board in Östersund make an inventory and in-depth investigation for western Ljusnan, Mittån and Grundsjömagasinet before the application to the environmental court.
-This is a unique opportunity to create natural values and environments in a new format that favors sport fishing, outdoor life and recreation, says Helge Jonsson, Chairman of Långåfisket. He refers to the fishing association's experiences in renovating Långåljusnan, which now resembles how it once was, even if the water flow is limited. Ongoing investment in creating a lake in Grundsjömagasinet, ECO LAKE, through a pond in the pond, can recreate nutrient production and allow the roe to hatch naturally.
Långå fisheries management association has requests and demands that apply to four areas that can be addressed within the negotiation space for environmental adaptation in new water bodies:
Lujsnan downstream of Lossendammen, minimum bottling with 3,5 cubic per second summer time and 1,4 wintertime. The mean water flow before the expansion was 23 m3/sek. Mittån downstream Grundsjön minimum withdrawal 2 m3/sec in the summer and 0,5 m3/sec winter time. Mean water flow before the expansion was 14 m3/sek.
In addition, a pilot project for biodiversity and sport fishing in Mittån through the combination of power interest and environmental interest using 'resource water' in the Grundsjömagasinet.
-The electricity demand in society and the water demand for living aquatic environments change every day, week and season. By necessity- and adjust the vintage from Grundsjömagasinet, to 'coach', can both interests be satisfied alternately with priority for the power interest, says Helge Jonsson. The volume in the Grundsjömagasinet could probably also be increased somewhat with resource capacity for the 'tide' needed to recreate the trout fishing in Mittån!
Such a model could work for both Fortum and Långåfisket and also be a role model nationally and internationally, he believes.
Grundsjöprojektet, which took place in 22 year, must continue and develop according to the existing main agreement, considers the board of the fisheries conservation association. The project is owned by the county board, the municipality, Fortum Sweden AB, Långå FVOF and Särvsjön village community. Fortum is the main financier. The Fisheries Management Association believes that the project can also arrange "resource water", for both electricity supply and natural/environmental values as well as increasing nutrition, and contribute to the natural reproduction of mostly bottom sea trout, through depressions and deep hollows in areas that can hold little water throughout the year.
In the first place, the request is directed to the County Administrative Board in Jämtland County for its responsibility in the process. We especially want to point out that Långå FVOF and Långåfisket not is 'opposing interest' but should be seen as 'collaborating stakeholder'. Naturally, we prioritize nature- and environmental interests , it is our responsibility, but at the same time we need insight into the value of electricity supply in people's quality of life, says Helge Jonsson.
– At the same time, Fortum Sverige AB is informed for information. We have long experience of a very good dialogue and a valuable collaboration with Fortum, says Helge Jonsson. Our mutual openness and constructive collaboration is to the advantage of both parties. We have the same experience with other partners in the Grundsjö project.