Public Ownership Of Hydropower Plant Intrigues Some, Worries Many, Study Finds
The following article by Kathryn Holahan and Cristof Traudes appeared in the November 30, 2009 issue of the Southwest Journal:
PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF HYDROPOWER PLANT INTRIGUES SOME, WORRIES MANY, STUDY FINDS
Community response to potential public ownership of a proposed hydropower facility at St. Anthony Falls was the core discussion item at the Nov. 18 Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board meeting.
Most responses from an online survey conducted in mid-October by Park Board planning staff indicated that the facility is generally not supported, said Judd Rietkerk, director of citywide planning and project management.
Private company Crown Hydro introduced the controversial topic in the late 1980s. The potential for a facility that draws power from St. Anthony Falls appeals to some commissioners while concerning others.
Addressing the issue of public ownership, there is concern that a municipal utility is outside of the Park Board’s expertise. The board would be responsible for controlling the flow rate over the falls and would have professionals ensure adequate flow while preserving the historic area, Commissioner Jon Olson said.
Damage to Mill Ruins Park is a significant concern of residents, adjacent property owners, commissioners and the city, according to survey responses. Commissioner Tracy Nordstrum said she likes the idea of sustainability, but encourages discussion.
“Hydro is going to happen in other venues,” Commissioner Annie Young said in reference to other hydropower facilities utilizing the Mississippi River.
Currently, Brookfield Power is working on installing six small “run-of-the-river” turbines in lower St. Anthony Falls. The turbines didn’t require a new dam and don’t interfere with river navigation.
Though the board does not have a lot of information from stakeholder input, the information they do have is that public ownership does not resolve the issue, Vreeland said. Board General Manager Don Siggelkow said he began looking into public ownership after hearing from commissioners that they weren’t necessarily against building a power plant at St. Anthony Falls, just that it would be a privately owned. If the board were to continue down the public ownership path, it would be its first municipal utility.