The Elvo is one of the most beautiful streams in the Italian Western Alps, but it runs the risk of being drained, if the project is achieved to divert its waters to a dam nearby (in Mongrando, province of Biella).
Yet this dam has no need for more water: rather, its level is so high that it represents a danger for the valley below!
This expensive and useless project will be financed with public money (just now that the economic crisis is imposing heavy sacrifices on the country) but it is not going to bring any benefits to the region.
On the contrary, it will cause severe and irreversible consequences on the environment and the ecosystem of the river, reducing the chances for the region to develop sustainable agriculture and tourism.
The project will benefit only those who will implement and run it: a drainage consortium, formerly responsible for several devastating operations in the area, which were heavily but uselessly opposed by local people.
Don't let them spoil our valleys for ever: ask the authorities to block this further robbery of the resources of our environment and to avoid another waste of public money.
We the undersigned would like to express our deep concern regarding the project, proposed by Consorzio Bonifica della Baraggia, of diverting the water of the river Elvo to the dam of Mongrando.
The project appears unjustified, considering the high water level in the dam basin in the last years, and won’t bring any long-term economic benefits to the area.
On the contrary, it will cause severe and irreversible consequences on the environment and the ecosystem of the river, reducing the chances for the region to develop sustainable agriculture and tourism.
Moreover, you cannot underestimate the fact that Valle Elvo, being an area of high environmental quality, is a strategic touristic asset for the region and the river Elvo is, for those who live in the valley, an important feature of local identity, culture, and life.
This very expensive project, at a time of severe economic crisis, seems to be a very good business only for those who are going to implement and run it.
We ask you to consider our strong opposition to the project, stop this further robbery of the resources of our environment, and avoid another waste of public money.
