Rock samples from Chalillo exceed international standards

The preliminary results of a geological study of the proposed dam site at Chalillo on the Macal River indicate the bedrock is extremely hard. According to Public Relations Officer for the Chalillo Project, Norris Hall, Swissboring Overseas Corporation is determining soil types, the strength of rock formations and if there are any geological faults in the area. He says samples taken so far reveal granite much harder than internationally set standards for such a study. The study will continue for another three or four weeks and will include surveys of the surface area which would be flooded by damming the Macal at this location. The reservoir created would cover about three square miles. Hall says once the engineering aspects of the project are fully examined they will still have to consider the environmental implications of the dam which would be located in the upstream Macal River area of the Mountain Pine Ridge.