Feb 25 • 20:19 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Celec rules out damage at the Toachi mini hydro plant after emergency due to sediment removal

Celec confirmed that an unexpected water intrusion at the Toachi mini hydro plant did not cause equipment damage or affect personnel after a sediment removal operation.

On February 18, an unexpected influx of water by the roof of the Toachi mini hydro plant caused alarm among three technicians who were working inside. This incident occurred during sediment removal work, which is a part of the Toachi Pilatón hydroelectric complex activities. Although it posed a calculated risk, particularly due to the ongoing sediment removal operations, it was considered a minor event and did not result in any damage to equipment or harm to personnel, as indicated by Daniel Correa and Graziano Silva, officials at the site.

Following the incident, Correa and Silva conducted a site inspection on February 25, where they noted the importance of analyzing the circumstances surrounding the emergency to improve operational procedures going forward. The event occurred during the afternoon, several hours after the commencement of sediment removal maneuvers, suggesting a possible correlation between the two activities. Despite the alarm it caused among the staff, the situation was managed effectively without significant repercussions.

This event highlights the ongoing operational challenges faced in hydroelectric projects, especially those involving sediment removal, which can pose risks of unexpected occurrences like water intrusions. Celec's swift response and assessment indicate a commitment to safety and operational improvement, thereby reinforcing the resilience of Ecuador's hydroelectric infrastructure amid such challenges.

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