In order to mitigate the destructive environmental effects occasioned by the construction of a series of hydropower stations along the river Cherek, RusHydro, the operator of hydroelectric plants in Russia, committed itself to constructing a fish farm in the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. The farm is expected to produce as much as 150 000 trout per year. The fish will be released into local rivers. The facility, which is expected to cost around USD 2 million, is currently in design stage.