Environmental groups oppose proposed Glacier-area hydro projects
Conservation NW joins local groups to protect fish and fish habitat and stop proposed new hypdroelectric dams on creeks in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie NF near Glacier.
A coalition of environmental groups has filed formal objections to two hydroelectric projects proposed for small creeks in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest east of Glacier.
Richard Bowers, Pacific Northwest coordinator for the Hydropower Reform Coalition, said he thinks the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is likely to grant preliminary permits for the projects to applicant Free Flow Power of Gloucester, Mass. The preliminary permit merely gives the firm the right to study the environmental and economic feasibility of the projects and have first shot at applying for construction permits if the studies are positive.
Bowers said his group's comments are meant to put both FERC and Free Flow Power on notice that the projects will face vigorous opposition if they proceed to the construction permit phase.
"We are trying to send a really strong message to a lot of people, particularly to Free Flow Power," Bowers said. "Ruth and Swamp creeks are pretty special places."
Ruth Creek flows in the gorge along the Hannegan Pass trail, while Swamp Creek flows down from the popular Twin Lakes area.
Coalition members include the North Cascades Audubon Society, Sierra Club Cascade Chapter, The Mountaineers, American Whitewater, American Rivers, North Cascades Conservation Council, Alpine Lakes Protection Society, Conservation Northwest and the Pilchuck Audubon Society.
Bowers said the group favors hydroelectric projects that use existing dams, either by improving the power output from existing generating facilities or by installing generating facilities where none exist today. In formal written comments to FERC, the coalition contends that Washington state has more than 250 existing dams that either have no hydropower facilities or are not operating at maximum efficiency.
"Given the number of existing dams in Washington state, new dam construction - and the resulting environmental impacts - should not be contemplated until all potential from the existing hydropower infrastructure has been exhausted," the comments state.
The coalition also underlines the environmental impacts that would result from construction of the projects:
• 2.2 miles of transmission lines for Ruth Creek and 6.75 miles for Swamp Creek;
• timber-cutting and new road construction;
• construction of powerhouses, dams and other structures to divert water for powering turbines.
Ramya Swaminthan, Free Flow Power's chief operating officer, said she was not surprised at the coalition's comments. She said her company expected to give environmental issues a thorough airing before proceeding beyond the preliminary phase.
"We welcome engagement with all of these organizations," she said. "We look forward to these conversations."
