Background

The environmental studies laboratory, HYDRECO, (whose main office is located in Montpellier, France), has taken part in hydro-biological sampling in French Guiana since the mid-1980's. First financed by Electricité de France (EDF) within the framework of the construction of the hydroelectric dam at Petit Saut, it set up a laboratory at the site in 1991.
Thus, HYDRECO conducted a part of the hydro-biological and hydro-chemical studies undertaken before and after the construction of the dam, and assured the necessary follow-up during the filling of the catchment basin. Even today, the laboratory continues to follow, on a daily basis, changes in the water quality of the reservoir and the river downstream.
Its on-site location, its on-going exchanges with numerous international and national research laboratories, the growing expertise of its personnel, and the continual upgrading of its equipment permit HYDRECO-French Guiana to actively participate in highly-technical research projects as well as to conduct a wide range of its own environmental studies.