Project Summary

Drinking Water-Irrigation
APPROVAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL TERMS AND PREAPPROVAL LOCATION STUDY FOR THE PROJECT “EARTH DAM DESIGN WITHIN TORRENT THERMON IN VISALTIA, SERRES PREFECTURE”

Client: Prefectural Self-Government of Serres – Technical Department
Year:    1996

ISSUE
The purpose of the study was on one hand the preapproval of the proposed location and on the other the approval of Environmental Terms for the construction of a reservoir shallow in depth, which will be supplied with water by the nearby stream Megalo Rema. The project aims to provide irrigation water (80.000m3) for Thermon community’s greenhouses, especially during winter months when water shortage is observed.

SOLUTION                                                                                                      Reservoir view in Thermon area
ΎδρευσηThe irrigational needs of the cultivators in the region were covered by bored water wells. However, problems related to water adequacy, available water quantities and the depletion of aquifers demonstrated the need to search for alternatives.

The external reservoir is fed by the excess water of Megalo Rema stream that poses an extended catchment area, able to serve irrigation water demand without depriving the flow in the section downstream Thermon community.

The project site is located 1km west of Thermon community. The reservoir was formed via the excavation of a surface covering 50.000m2, 2m in depth, aiming at an overall capacity of 100.000m3. Circumferentially of the reservoir an approximately 2m high protective embankment was formed.
The reservoir is fed through gates to the adjacent stream (Megalo Rema) during winter months when surplus water is available.

To prevent water losses via the reservoir walls and bed, appropriate seals (clay material, geogrids, etc.) were implemented, in accordance with the technical design and following relevant soil and geological surveys.

In the accounted study the exact locations of the construction works were identified while the current situation was analyzed, investigating of the state of the natural and human environment. At the same time significant information was offered with respect to the feasibility of the works along with their analytical description.

Finally, the extent and size of the caused environmental annoyance from the construction and operation of the works was described, while appropriate methods to treat environmental impacts during construction and operation phase were provided. Technical alternatives for the works construction were also examined

BENEFIT
The study was submitted to the department responsible for environmental licensing of the proposed works contributing to the resolution of greenhouses irrigation issues within Thermon community.