The permit covers preparatory works that had already begun. They are neither in nor near a watercourse and therefore have no impact on a “water body”. The permit is valid for six months.
The Environment Agency of Iceland and the National Energy Authority have granted Landsvirkjun a provisional construction permit for preparatory works on Hvammsvirkjun power station today.
The permit applies to works that had already started and is valid for six months, according to a statement from Landsvirkjun.
Last month, the Environmental and Natural Resources Complaints Board accepted the demand of landowners and tenants of properties on the banks of the Þjórsá and halted construction of the power station.
The works concerned have no impact on a water body
“The permitted preparatory works consist of setting up work camps, access roads and other road construction within the project area, as well as material extraction for road construction, and electricity, telecommunications and hot water supply for the work camp and project area,” the Landsvirkjun statement reads.
The works in question are not in or near the Þjórsá river channel and therefore have neither direct nor indirect impact on a water body.
What is a water body?
A water body is an administrative term referring to a defined unit of water, often delineated, such as all the water in a single lake, river or coastal area.
Landsvirkjun intends to subsequently apply to Rangárþing ytra [municipality] for a construction permit so that preparatory works can continue.
The plan is for these to be completed before the end of the year.
Previously, Landsvirkjun had requested that the Environment Agency and the National Energy Authority resume processing its application for a construction permit for Hvammsvirkjun and for authorisation to alter a water body.
Source: Ruv.is
