Summary of the Request

The Request received by the ICIM presents concerns related to the social and environmental impacts in the area located between sub-stations Parrita and Palmar in Costa Rica (Tramo 17 of SIEPAC) where a power transmission line is being constructed. The Request indicates that the construction could cause harm to the citizens as well as the area´s natural resources. Among the adverse impacts, the Requesters indicated that the Project could cause possible harm to water and forest resources; biodiversity and local livelihood. The Requesters also alleged that the Environmental Project Report (EPR) did not consider an area that would cause the least environmental and social harm. The Requesters propose an alternative location for “Tramo 17” so as to avoid potential hams that could emerge as a result of its construction in the proposed area.

MICI actions

After the Request was declared eligible for the Consultation Phase and during the course of the assessment by the Consultation Phase, an Environmental Administrative Court (TAA) action came to light, fact that had not been disclosed by the Requesters during the eligibility stage. At that point, the ICIM determined that the issues before the TAA, which underlie an interim relief to prevent environmental harm, were the same as those raised in the Request to ICIM. This situation required the ICIM to remove itself from the case in order not to interfere with the legal proceedings. The numerous judicial processes the Requesters were involved in made the dialogue unfeasible. The Consultation Phase was closed.

The Requesters have asked their Request be transferred to the Panel Chairperson for a possible Compliance Review by the Panel but the Request was declared ineligible for a Compliance Review given the existence of a case before domestic courts.