Appropriate legislation needed
Jeremias Andrade Carrera
22 Oct 2009
Re: No erroneous claim
Dam safety designs and the uncontrolled release of 5,732 cubic meters per second according to Mr. Ronaldo Castanaga: To maintain that uncontrolled release of 5,732 cubic meters per second is normal operating procedure and justified is idiotic.
A very simple and very basic equation tells us that the above uncontrolled release rate will certainly create massive flooding, destruction, and loss of lives. The 5,732 CMS will require over a half kilometer wide by over 10 meters deep earthen channel to avoid scouring and damaging its banks or levees, or 200 meters wide by over 10 meters deep concrete lined channel.
Based on the above exercise it is very obvious that FVR was correct in his statement about the existing dikes and canals but he should have qualified his statement as a professional engineer by saying that the operator was irresponsible to release at such a tremendous rate because even the downstream flood control structures downstream of the reregulating pond will not be designed to accommodate that rate. Indeed during the sudden release it would be scary as stated by the account of those affected.
The filing of a lawsuit is justified and if GMA is culpable so be it. What is sorely needed is legislation that will define priorities of the dam’s function and criminalize and penalize the operators who violates the legally mandated operating parameters.
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