The LIFE IREKIBAI project is continuing work to eliminate obstacles in the Leitzaran River. In this case, it is the Olloki dam. At 7 metres high, it creates impassable barrier for fish fauna.

It was part of a system that has fallen into disuse, intended to produce electric power. Given its size, it alters relevant processes in the river, such as sediment transport and ecological connectivity, so the ideal solution is to eliminate it.

Notwithstanding, it was decided to partially demolish it. In this way, we keep a testimony of this element, part of the Leitzaran River’s industrial past, without compromising the action’s environmental objectives.

Initial works consisted of making a cut-out on the dam and beginning construction of a stone ramp to protect a nearby hydroelectric plant (Santolaz). Later, in 2019, the dam’s partial demolition will be completed.

These works are in addition to actions conducted in the Ubaran, Truchas Erreka, Olaberri and Inturia. Olloki is the eighth obstacle in the Leitzaran river network, which the project is making permeable. This is the last step necessary to reach an ambitious objective: for the main Leitzaran network in the Autonomous Community of the Basque Country to be free from impassable obstacles.