The Stream, April 20: Hydropower Threatens Amazon River

The connection between the Amazon River and its headwaters in the Andes Mountains could be partially cut by 151 proposed dams, according to a new study that is the first to look comprehensively at the ecological impacts of hydropower across the Amazon Basin, Nature reported.

At least one natural gas driller has been forced to cut back on production due to drought conditions in parts of Pennsylvania, though a company spokeswoman said it was normal and expected, Reuters reported. Hydraulic fracturing, a method used in natural gas drilling, requires large quantities of water.

Dubai has deferred its planned $US 1.3 billion Hassyan power plant project, which was slated to produce 2.7 billion liters (720 million gallons) of desalinated water each day, according to Gulf News.

Asia
China’s endangered freshwater porpoise, found primarily in the Yangtze River and its associated lakes, could face extinction within a few years, AFP reported. Sixteen of the porpoises have been found dead this year, and researchers point to water pollution and low water levels as likely causes.

Reuters follows the “ninja miners” of Mongolia’s unregulated, black market gold trade, which could threaten water supplies.

Australian miner Lynas Corporation wants to start running its Malaysian rare earth refinery in two weeks, Xinhua reported. The refinery has been met with stiff opposition from citizens who fear radioactive waste from the plant could contaminate the surrounding site.

The Stream is a daily digest spotting global water trends. To get more water news, follow Circle of Blue on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek