"Chilean regulator charges AES power plant with environmental violations", January 27 2023

...Chile's environmental regulator accused a major hydroelectric power facility operated by U.S.-based AES of violations, largely related to a failure to build required infrastructure but it alsosaid the company skirted its ecological obligations.

Environment regulator SMA outlined four charges covering AES' $3.5 billion Alto Maipo project in a statement on Thursday, which also accused it of engaging in work in a protected paleontological area plus unlawful moving of fauna.

AES is analyzing the regulator's charges, it said in a statement released later on Thursday, adding it is committed to complying with its legal obligations to care for the environment and human health...

An audit showed that the company's local unit AES Andes failed to build a "complementary" water outlet for irrigation for a canal set out in previously agreed to deal with local communities, SMA Superintendent Marie Claude Plumer said in the statement.

In its statement, AES Andes refuted that accusation, saying it did build the water infrastructure for the Manzano canal, which it described as "operational."

The violations could lead to a fine of around $18.5 million, the closure of the plants or the termination of its environmental permit...