VietNamNet Bridge – After a dozen of reservoir induced earthquakes over the past year, many cracks have appeared on the major barrage of the Song Tranh 2 Hydro-power Plant’s reservoir in the central province of Quang Nam. These cracks have made local people to become anxious.

Mr. Dang Phong, Chair of Bac Tra My district, where the plant is located--told VietNamNet that many cracks have recently appeared on the main barrage. Water from the reservoir has leaked from the cracks.

The district’s officials paid a field trip to the dam on March 18. This morning, March 19, the local authorities sent an urgent report to relevant agencies, asking for their assistance to assess the cracks.

Since the cracks appeared, local residents have lived in worry. “Earthquakes appeared but scientists said that they are only reservoir induced earthquakes. Now the major barrage has cracks. We live under the foot of the dam, so we cannot avoid worrying,” says Mr. Nguyen Du, a local man.

Many families want to remove out of this area but they do not have any place to go.

“The local authorities and relevant bodies have to tell us whether the Song Tranh 2 reservoir is safe or not, otherwise, they have to move us to a safe place,” Du added.
The major dam of the Song Tranh 2 Hydro-power Plant is a block of huge concrete which connects two mounts. It has five doors to discharge water.

According to local inspectors, part of the dam is absorbent. There are four big cracks where water runs fast.

A representative of the project investor, the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), Mr. Vu Duc Toan, said that all cracks are on heat slits of the concrete block. The absorbent phenomenon at these slits is acceptable and within control.

The construction of the Song Tranh 2 Hydro-power Plant began in March 2006, at the cost of VND5.19 trillion (around $290 million). Both turbines of the plant operated in late 2010. The Song Tranh 2 reservoir contains more than 730 million cubic meters of water.

Vu Trung