In 2021, ON Power met with landowners from the area around lake Skorradalsvatn and river Andakílsá, as well as representatives of cabin owners in Fitjahlíð in Skorradalur. A scenario analysis has been drawn up for environmental and economic issues around Andakílsá Hydropower Station and on how it affects the community in Skorradalur and around Andakílsá. A decision regarding the hydropower station's operating framework has been taken. A conclusion from a risk assessment, carried out in 2021, regarding planned cleaning of silt from the station's dam intake, is pending while permits ar prepared.
River Andakílsá ecosystem
The ecosystem at river Andakílsá has recovered after a substantial amount of silt was carried into the river during an inspection of the dam intake at Andakílsá Hydropower Station in May 2017. More than 500 salmon were caught in the summer of 2021, which is incredibly good, compared to other salmon rivers in the area. The river will be ready for the 2022 fishing season. Approximately 20,000 smolts were released into the river in 2021, and 20,000 smolts are in a farming plan. In 2022 a similar amount of smolts will be released. ON Power has taken this accident seriously and reacted responsibly.
Land erosion prevention on the banks of river Andakílsá, started in October of 2021. Vegetation cover was taken up, Tree trunks with roots, stones and gravel were placed in the banks to strengthen it and the vegetation cover was reused. Willow and birch were planted in the banks for further strengthening. The second part of this project will be carried out in the spring of 2022.
Lake Skorradalsvatn
In 2021 lake Skorradalsvatn never exceeded ON Power's set limits.