Hydropower Project Proposed for Talkeetna (AK)
Posted: 10/07/2014
By: Thomas O'Keefe
On September 19th, Northwest Power Services filed a preliminary permit application to construct a hydropower project on the Talkeetna River. The Talkeetna is known to many as Alaska's best backcountry whitewater trip.
Background
The proposed Talkeetna River Dam Hydroelectric Project would consist of a massive dam, 2300 feet
long and 370 feet high and located in a scenic canyon just downstream of the confluence of
Disappointment Creek approximately 22 miles upstream of the town of Talkeetna (at approximately
62.4438, -149.6969). The reservoir would flood 4,454 acres and extend upstream above the
confluence of Iron Creek. The project would destroy the last section of whitewater on the run and
a fun play spot and camping area that many groups use for their last night on the river at the
mouth of Disappointment Creek. The 120' operating range of the reservoir would destroy
riparian habitat and create a moonscape where the shoreline is subjected to massive fluctuations
in reservoir elevation. Incredibly, the developer describes the reservoir as a "recreation
benefit to the public" in the permit application and fails to mention the major impacts to
existing recreational uses that include backcountry whitewater boating and salmon fishing.
For all the impacts, this project would produce a very small amount of power. Three Francis
turbines would divert 500 cfs to 2,800 cfs and provide only 75 MW of installed generating
capacity.
The Talkeetna River Dam Hydroelectric Project is part of a troubling trend in Alaska. As our
nation begins to rethink our relationship to hydropower, and many older projects are being
removed, developers in Alaska are aggressively pursuing massive new projects on major rivers like
the Talkeetna and Susitna--these are some of our last remaining free-flowing rivers that are
known for their healthy salmon runs and spectacular opportunities for backcountry recreation.
Take Action
On October 7th, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission filed a notice inviting comments on the
preliminary permit application. The sole purpose of a preliminary permit, if issued, is to
grant the permit holder priority to file a license application during the permit term. Despite
public opposition to the project, we expect this preliminary permit to further investigate the
project will be issued. However, it is important to establish standing and raise concerns with
the project early in the process. American Whitewater will be filing a motion to intervene
in this project. Individuals and other organizations can also provide comment or intervene and we
encourage our members to do so. There are three options available:
1) For those who wish to file comprehensive comments or a motion to intervene you can register
on the FERC website for eFiling.
Registering allows you to sign up for the docket (in this case P-14636) and you will be
notified of all filings and future opportunities to comment on the project. We recommend this
option for those who want to carefully track the development of this project (contact us if you
need assistance).
2) For those who do not wish to register but who would like to file a comment of less than
6,000 characters you can use the eComment system. You will want to file your
comment with docket P-14636. You must still include your name and contact information at the
end of your comments.
3) For those who wish to mail a hard copy of comments you can mail your comments to Kimberly D.
Bose, Secretary, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 888 First Street, NE, Washington, DC
20426. Be sure to reference the docket number (for this project it is P-14636) in your
introductory paragraph so that your comment is filed correctly.
Comments on the Preliminary Permit Application are due by December 6th, 2014.
Additional Project Background:
Photo shows the surf wave and canyon that would be flooded by the project.
Thomas O'Keefe
3537 NE 87th St.
Seattle, WA 98115
E-mail: okeefe@americanwhitewater.org
Phone: 425-417-9012
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