Loading...
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.