Social & Environmental Management

Initially, Pak Mun Dam would have been constructed at Kang Tana, 4 km upward from the mouth of Mun River. The dam would have the water storage level at +112 m MSL, with a generating capacity of 300 MW and an annual generated electricity of 442 million kWh. However, the dam construction would result in the flooding of Kang Tana, Wat Don Thad, and Kang Sapeu including 4,000 households of villagers.

To lessen the environmental impact and the burden on villagers, EGAT minimized the size of the Pak Mun Project by changing the location of the dam to be 1.5 km upstream at Ban Hua Haew and lowered the water storage level to be +108 m MSL while the generating capacity was reduced to 136 MW. Therefore, Kang Tana, Wat Don Thad, and Kang Sapue were saved. The number of affected villagers decreased to be 241 households. The other 639 households wanted to move to new community. 

Fishery

The fish ladder was made by EGAT to allow fishes in the Mekong River to swim to lay eggs in Mun River. Moreover, EGAT, in cooperation with the Department of Fisheries, has promoted occupational development of agriculture fishery and established a Fishery Center for fish breeding and aquatic species conservation for their abundance. The fishery occupation has increased income for villagers.

Irrigation

Pak Mun Dam brings fertility to the Mun River by supplying water to agricultural areas to increase the productivity of 45,000 rai in the initial phase and can be expanded to 160,000 rai later.

Electricity generation

The electricity generating capacity in the Northeast is strengthened enhancing security in the power system. 

Investment

The dam contributes to the economy and investment of Ubon Ratchathani Province and helps to distribute income widely to the local people.   

Transport

The crest of Pak Mun Dam serves as a convenient bridge for people in Khong Chiam District to cross the Mun River. The area is being developed to be one of the tourist attractions in Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Floodgate management

Sub-Committee on Water Management of Pak Mun Dam was set up which comprised government agencies and representatives of the private sector in Ubon Ratchathani Province to consider the criteria for floodgate opening to be consistent with the water condition in each year taking into account the benefit and effect on every group of people and to avoid environmental impact and people living downstream of the dam.

The floodgate opening/closing has been carried out continuously according to the decision of the Committee on Water Management of Pak Mun Dam.

It takes a long time for Pak Mun Dam to solve the problems and obstacles which happened from the beginning of construction until its completion. However, the public benefits to be gained are absolutely worthwhile. All problems and doubts have been demolished when the Project was completed. EGAT’s careful and attentive operation taking into account all problems has made Pak Mun Dam a valuable dam that serves as a source of clean and cheap energy, an alternative energy vital to the local economy which helps to enhance the security of the power system in the Northeast.