Re: Hydro Plans for Grant Lake and Creek
Over the past 4 years I have watched as the initial HEA plans to create hydroelectric projects on 5 tributaries of the Kenai River has been cut back to one, being Grant Lake and Creek.
It is interesting to me, that the Board of Directors would look so seriously at projects that could, would impact the precious watersheds of the Kenai Peninsula's biggest economic engine, namely the Kenai River, yet there does not seem to be public concern about it.
In addition, these projects, every one of them, are located outside of the HEA service area. But of course, those folks are not members of HEA, and their voices have been ignored. What this has created is a polarization in the Kenai Peninsula, that is growing and pitting the eastern portion of the Peninsula against the west.
Being a Homer resident of long standing, I can recall other instances of the polarization, and fought it for so many years. Up until these projects were proposed, that polarization by and large was under control. But it is back, and I am so sorry to see that. It does not bode well for the Borough.
The Grant Lake/Creek project, and the others are not Bradley Lake, which was located within the HEA service area, and did not impact a major anadromous waterway. If the Grant Lake/Creek project is approved, it will set the precedent, and open the door for approval of all the projects. Folks, for those of you dependent on the Kenai River, I hope you will pay attention. HEA has already applied for a grant to build the project, even though they at this time do not have permission to build it. Obviously, they have confidence that they will.
For the BOD, I respectfully request you look at this project long and hard, and consider the damage that will be done, in relationships in the Borough, and damage to our precious Kenai River. HEA does not service the entire Borough, but it has a moral responsibility to act in the best interest of the entire Borough. I ask, please, withdraw these plans. There are other, better ways to generate electricity.
Comments (3)
Add commentRenewable & Continous Sources 12/3/11
This HEA Customer wants HEA to locate & use any renewable & continous Resource within Our Service Area.
That includes Tidal Power, there always has been & always will be a Changing of the Tides in Cook Inlet. Thats been there since the beginning of time.
Wind power is another endless resource.
Any resource that is NOT a Fossil Fuel is a Wise Decision.
We need to change from Oil & Natural Gas to alternate resources that have proven dependability.
SPW "Airborne"
Better ways......
I noticed Milli didn't mention any "better ways" to generate electricity. Interesting this coming from someone who lives in a town, where many citizens still collect washed ashore coal to heat and cook.
Chakachamna Hydro
Recent speculation bye Native Regional Corps. on developing Chakachamna's dynamic hydro potential of 400 megawatts should get a little attention here. What feasible alternative project even approaches the possibilities of generating this much clean green power? Nothing short of the Susitna river even comes close. How much further would the money Chugach along with ML&P put into the new gas fired generation in south Anchorage go if fuel cost were eliminated via HYDRO? Forever? The added savings of close proximity to existing power lines in Beluga make it even more marketable. Seems near reckless to ignore the best Dam project in favor of burning more hydrocarbons!