HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-HDPC-1989-02-21 Approved 3/14/89
MINUTES
Hydropower Commission
February 21, 1989
Present: D. Hoffman, M. Sampson, M. Sprague, E. Mulholland,
A. Skutt, E. Brothers, M. Walker, T. Araneo, H. Jones; members of
the public.
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by D. Hoffman,
Coamission Chairperson.
2. Consultant Report on Ithaca Falls License Requirements (Articles
403, 404 and 406) . Mr. Jamie Veitch, Chief Executive Officer of
Veitch Associates described his proposal for monitoring 60 cfs flow
in the shunted portion of Fall Creek. He also described the fish
diversion scheme and fish protection plan. Approval for the project
from the Fish and Wildlife Service has been received, and consent is
expected from New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) this week. Submission to the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) is anticipated by March 14 deadline.
The pressure sensing monitor to determine the level of flow in the
dam was described. Mr. Veitch said that the System-Q sensor would
not be detectable in the stream and will not interfere with the
Falls' recreational usage. There was discussion about whether the
City should ask United States Geological Survey (USGS) to review
gauging system plans for compliance (as a consultant) before
considering Article 403.
A new design proposal that could mean more energy for less cost was
presented by Mr. Steve Burke of Besha Associates. He described the
Falls as a gorgeous setting and an outstanding site with tremendous
power potential and adequate watershed. An underground design with
the powerhouse located in a tunnel would produce more power and
protect the gorge. A subcommittee of four was established to
further research new design proposal (Mulholland, Araneo, Walker,
Jones) .
3. Memorandum of February 21, 1989 from Ralph Nash, City Attorney.
There was discussion about Mr. Nash's initial research regarding the
possibility of State and/or local veto over hydropower development
at Ithaca Falls. Amendments to the Public Utility Regulatory
Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA) permits additional restrictions to be
placed on hydropower through the State designation as Wild, Scenic
and Recreational River System; however application of the
amendments to Ithaca Falls is unclear and further discussion should
be undertaken with FERC. There has not been a response from the
Attorney General regarding the referendum issue.
4. Wild and Scenic Rivers Designation. Ms. Margaret Fabrizio,
representative for Citizens Against Hydropower at Ithaca Falls,
presented their proposal for State designation under the Wild,
Scenic and Recreational Rivers Act which they will submit to the New
York State DEC. She described the section of Ithaca Falls they wish
Hydropower Commission Minutes
Page 2 - 2/21/89
to have designated as a means to block hydropower development. Mr.
Vernon Husek of the DEC will be invited to Ithaca to answer
questions regarding the implications of this designation on the
issuance of future hydropower licenses and on the rights of
property owners adjacent to the stream. This proposal has the
Mayor's backing, and support is being sought from the Hydropower
Commission and Common Council. The following resolution was moved
and seconded:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Common Council has given its unanimous support to the
effort to explore protection options for the Ithaca Falls site,
at both the State and Federal levels, and
WHEREAS, Citizens Against Hydropower at Ithaca Falls has
identified a possible avenue for protection and has submitted
draft proposal to the Chief of the New York State Rivers
Program for designation of a section of Fall Creek pursuant to
the State Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and
W�_'EREAS, Department of Environmental Conservation officials,
after reviewing the draft proposal, have indicated that the
site has an "excellent" chance for designation, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has given a letter of support for the
designation proposal, and
WAS, State Assemblyman Martin Luster has requested a formal
expression of support from Common Council in order to sponsor
the .legislation required for designation of the site,
NOW THEREFOR:, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hydropower Commission
recommends that Common Council pursue the designation of
portions of Fall Creek, including the Ithaca Falls, under the
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of New York State.
Discussion followed.
MOTION'; Ch��ge "purs,ae" to "study." Motion defeated 1-5.
MOTI0U:_ Approve proposed resolution as amended (moved by Sprague,
seconded by Brothers) . Passed 5-2. Resolution will be placed on
Common Council March 1 agenda.
5. Brief discussion that Congressman Matthew McHugh be apprised of
recent Hydropower Commission progress.
6. Cornell Discussions. Mayor Gutenberger indicated to Ms. Jones that
Cornell mignt be willing -to make some concessions in terms of
providing free-of-charge land and/or water rights; they will need
more information regarding the proposal and compensation. A
memora:,..dum from the Mayor regarding these discussions is expected.
Hydropower Commission Minutes
Page 3 - 2/21/89
7. Discussion. of NYSEG Negotiations. A February 28 meeting in
Binghamton is set between NYSEG and City representatives to discuss
a contract for the power purchase.
8. Letter of January 27, 1989 from Stetson-Harza confirming
construction cost estimate for Ithaca Falls Hydroelectric Project
was briefly discussed. The costs are realistic as of the date of
preparation of the estimate.
9. Sixty-Foot Dam. Ms. Jones reported that the license has been
officially surrenders and the site is now open to development by
any interested party.
10. Van Natta Dam. Referendum requirement for City development of the
site has not been determined.
11. Minute; of January 17, 1989 were reviewed and approved.
12. Next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 14, 1989, 7:30 p.m.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m.