Co-op eyes NY reservoirs for hydropower

[Kilgour Farms]

Co-op eyes NY reservoirs for hydropower
By Peter Becker
Wayne Independent
Fri Jun 06, 2008, 05:03 PM EDT

NARROWSBURG, NY -
The Delaware County Electric Cooperative has proposed to construct hydroelectric power plants, tapping into the water released from the New York City reservoirs. These include the Cannonsville on the West Branch and the Pepacton on the East Branch, both near Hancock in Delaware County, and the Neversink and Gilboa reservoirs.
Robert Tudor, representing the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), told the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) Thursday night that a letter was sent to the Cooperative indicating the DRBC would regulate the operation. He said he doubted the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, which maintains the reservoirs, had much discretion to deny the power plant proposal.
As stated in the Walton Reporter, May 28, the Cooperative would make use of the water as it is released through the year and would have no affect on flood control or how much water is available to them. The Cooperative has applied for a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to do studies. Greg Starheim, CEO and general manager of the Cooperative states in the article that there are potentially significant benefits to the area, and the design is “very environmentally benign.” No timetable or cost estimate was available, Starheim states.
The article was distributed around the UDC table.