An interview with scientist ecologist, public figure, Natalia Tumureva, and her unique views.

N.Tumureva is a leader of Buryatia’s regional sector at “Green Russia” faction, “Apple” political party. She is also a vice president at Ecology-Biology institution, under the jurisdiction of Buryatia’s Ministry of Education and a well-known environmental specialist. E.Gomboev asked her views on Lake Baikal, energy sector, and Mongolians.

Why did Lake Baikal’s water level drop?

-Lake Baikal’s water level fluctuates regularly, specifically decreasing in the winter season and increasing in the summer months. This is a lake’s own natural state. In 2001, the government passed a decree to keep minimum water level at 456 meter and maximum level at 457 meter /above sea level/.This is in the range set within 40 years since the Irkutsk hydroelectric power station was built. Therefore, there is no negative impact on the eco-system. To be honest, the minimum/maximum level was set in order to protect Lake Baikal water from being wasted entirely for commercial use. This decree is one of the regulations that has positive impact on Lake Baikal. However, current water level has dropped 10 cm below the minimum allowed level. This situation is very alarming. [There are already three hydropower plants built on Angara River, the only river that drains water from Lake Baikal. Namely, these are Irkutsk, Bratsk, and Ust-Ilimsk hydroelectric power plants, including Irkutskenergo public company. The company’s owner is Oleg Deripaska, a close friend of Putin. Author’s explanation]. [Clarification: Boguchansky hydroelectric power plant is the fourth biggest hydroelectric power plant on Angara River]. Last year, Russian Hydro meteorological Centre made a false prediction of a flood in the summer. The same spring, Irkutsk energy affiliates discharged large amount of water from Lake Baikal during its high water. Russian Hydro meteorological Centre only predicted these numbers. It is also not the whole truth.

Was not it beneficial to the energy sector affiliates?

-Yes. The additional power production will make more profit. However, the summer was dry and rainless causing this year’s drop. The energy sector affiliates were supposed to cut the amount of discharge, instead they kept lobbying until they had Prime Minister Medvedev pass resolution that allowed water level to be decreased from the minimum set level once. The document states that the decision was made to maintain the regular operation of farmer and economical activities residing below Irkutsk hydroelectric power station. There are not any official numbers written, but the water level was allowed to be 20 cm lower than the minimum allowed limit. In other words, energy sector affiliates are capable of decreasing the water level further.

Cleaning the Lake Baikal’s coast, Ecological Activity

Who is to blame for this situation?

-Even though I have not spoken in favor of Buryatia government, the government was against the lake’s water level drop in this instance. However, the government of Russia protected the interest of “Irkutskenergo” company. What exactly happened is that Gosgidromet made a mistake as it is, and the summer was very dry as well. The energy sector affiliates took advantage of this opportunity. In general, this was a fictional recession. On the other hand, this situation is a direct result of government organizations’ inaction and lack of dedication to their duties. Related entities and experts all knew about this. They just did not speak up. This situation happens all the time in Russia. All knew about water level drop caused by dry summer and energy sector affiliates. However, no one took action.

How shall we live in the Lake Baikal’s coast? Energy sector affiliates are fine with this. What happens if this profit-driven unfortunate situation repeats itself in the future?

-It should be the primary concern for Russia to preserve the unique ecosystem of Lake Baikal as stated in the international conventions. If this happens, Russian weather forecast will be more realistic. Energy sector affiliates also will not count on their lobbying. Our Buryatia authorities shall pass a plan to adjust to the extreme increase and decrease of water levels in Lake Baikal for the coastal residents. First, Irkutsk residents shall coordinate their engineering, water plants, and infrastructure. Taking an Irkutsk residents’ side does not mean I am supporting the overconsumption of water. Why aren’t they upgrading their own infrastructure after using this extraordinary lake as a reservoir? They say it is expensive, and prefer easy waster access from the lake.

What is the danger we are facing as Lake Baikal’s water level drops?

-First of all, the locations with plenty of peat will start to burn again. This kind of wildfire cannot be put out from the top. The wildfire is extinguished only when the water level increases. Second, water level of wells in coastal villages drop and resident are facing the danger of water shortage. Of course, shallow water, a food reserve for fish, will be diminished causing a dryness. It is hard to calculate every possible danger. However, there is a high chance for ecological disaster to happen. Everything in nature is connected.

When will water increase?

- Sergei Donskoy [The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia-author’s clarification] stated that the water level would increase from second half of April. He must have a valid reason to make such statement. However, this natural process depends on the amount of precipitation. I have a news that indicates this year’s low precipitation in the winter season. Let us see what happens.

Russia is concerned about Mongolia building “Shuren” hydroelectric power plant on Selenge River, and building hydroelectric power plants on its effluents. They are saying this action will damage Lake Baikal’s unique ecosystem. How realistic is this worry?

-Yes. There will be an impact. However, any changes at effluents will affect our side. As far as I am concerned, the project is not fully complete yet, only in the papers. Mongolians are capable! They are outstepping us as they witnessed how Russia was treating us. We are selling electricity to them. They are trying to build their own power source. This means besides supplying their citizens with electricity, the mining industry can benefit from it too. Electricity is a product that can be sold to China. Anyways, air pollution has become a big problem for them. It is because coal-fired plants generate most of their power. [Some study indicates that this number is up to 90%-Author’s clarification] “Shuren” hydroelectric power plant is currently in the stage of intergovernmental talks and information sharing. In order to determine the environmental impact and possible damage, group of experts and specialists are being formed. Russia is processing documents to perform study by the state request. I have four official documents sent by the local authorities. They agreed with us completely and said they were emphasizing and supervising the process closely.