Chalillo Dam

Chalillo Dam
Location of Chalillo Dam in Belize
Country Belize
Location Cayo
Coordinates 16°51′41.09″N 89°00′47.56″W / 16.8614139°N 89.0132111°W / 16.8614139; -89.0132111Coordinates: 16°51′41.09″N 89°00′47.56″W / 16.8614139°N 89.0132111°W / 16.8614139; -89.0132111
Purpose Power
Status Operational
Construction began 2002
Opening date 2005
Dam and spillways
Type of dam Gravity, roller-compacted concrete
Impounds Macal River
Height 45 m (148 ft)
Height (foundation) 380 m (1,250 ft)
Dam volume 140,000 m3 (180,000 cu yd)
Reservoir
Total capacity 120,000,000 m3 (97,000 acre·ft)
Power station
Installed capacity 7 MW[1]

The Chalillo Dam is a gravity dam on the Macal River about 33 km (21 mi) south of San Ignacio in Cayo District, Belize.[2] It is owned and operated by Belize Electricity Limited. The dam was constructed by Sinohydro between 2002 and 2005 with the primary purpose of hydroelectric power production.[3] Its construction generated controversy over its effect on the surrounding rain forest. Two smaller dams, the Mollejon and Vaca, are downstream from the Chalillo Dam.

References

  1. "Belize, Chalillo Dam". SinoHydro. Retrieved 14 February 2014.
  2. Sarah Bradshaw, "Amid utilities' plan, a dam controversy", Poughkeepsie Record-Journal, June 8, 2013
  3. "Chalillo (search term)". RCC Dam Database (Malcolm Dunstan & Associates). Retrieved 14 February 2014.


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