# Czech hydropower environmental inspections

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/czech-hydropower-environmental-inspections
> Updated: 2026-10-05T06:36:02.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Following an exceptionally dry summer, the Czech Environmental Inspectorate (ČIŽP) launched an extraordinary inspection campaign on September 1, 2026. The campaign, recommended by the Central Drought Commission, targets small hydropower plants (MVE) to ensure compliance with permitted water withdrawals and minimum residual flows intended to protect aquatic ecosystems.

As of late September, inspectors have audited 90 facilities through this specific campaign, identifying potential deficiencies in 25 cases. Total inspections for the year have reached 173 plants, with 46 operators found to have violated operating conditions or requiring further investigation. To assist in monitoring difficult or inaccessible locations, inspectors have begun utilizing drones for visual documentation.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: State Inspectorate for Environmental Protection reports increased enforcement

The State Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in North Macedonia reports increased enforcement and a new strategy to centralize inspections to address staff shortages and improve risk-based monitoring.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/state-inspectorate-for-environmental-protection-reports-increased-enforcement

### 2026-09-29: Czech Environmental Inspectorate intensifies hydropower plant inspections

The Czech Environmental Inspectorate has intensified inspections of small hydropower plants following extreme drought, identifying potential violations in 25 of 90 recently audited facilities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czech-environmental-inspectorate-intensifies-hydropower-plant-inspections

---
Cite as: Czech hydropower environmental inspections. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/czech-hydropower-environmental-inspections