FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cayo District, Belize (Saturday, September 3, 2022) – Fortis Belize (formerly BECOL) would like to inform the general public that, as a consequence of the torrential rains brought on by multiple weather systems over the past 2 weeks, reservoir levels at the Chalillo Dam have been gradually rising as the floodwaters coming from upstream are being captured and stored in the reservoir. This excess inflow of water has caused the Chalillo Dam to reach its maximum storage capacity and it is expected that the first stage of the ogee spillway at the Chalillo Dam will become active in the next few hours, with a small trickle of water beginning to flow over the main spillway bucket.
Fortis Belize would like to clarify that, except for a small environmental valve used occasionally to keep a natural flow in the river, there is no other mechanism employed by Fortis Belie to deliberately release water stored in the Chalillo reservoir. Instead, the Chalillo dam is designed with a three-stage overflow spillway to accommodate excess floodwaters and facilitate a natural overflow when the reservoir has reached its maximum capacity. The flood waters brought about by the multiple weather systems in the past 2 weeks were well within the design limits of all three dams and these are operating normally. In addition to providing storage for power generation, the dams also act as flood control structures and reduce the frequency and severity of catastrophic flooding brought about by extreme weather events. Also, with its facilities located well upstream of the nearest communities, Fortis Belize is able to provide advance warning to the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) of potential flood waters coming over the spillways and continuing downstream to populated centers. Fortis Belize takes this opportunity to reassure the public that all necessary safety measures are in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of communities downstream of its operations, including close coordination and collaboration with NEMO, particularly during storms and other extreme weather events.
Any further questions, concerns, or clarifications can be emailed to corporate@becol.com.bz
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