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Environmental Considerations

Environmental Considerations. And how they may affect the role of hydro in New England’s energy future. Tim Brush and Jen Stone Normandeau Associates Westmoreland, NH. Outline. Waterpower Technologies Facts of the Matter Typical Environmental Issues Regulatory Drivers Some Specifics

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Environmental Considerations

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  1. Environmental Considerations And how they may affect the role of hydro in New England’s energy future Tim Brush and Jen Stone Normandeau Associates Westmoreland, NH

  2. Outline • Waterpower Technologies • Facts of the Matter • Typical Environmental Issues • Regulatory Drivers • Some Specifics • Bottom Line

  3. Waterpower Technologies Conventional Hydropower Dam Head Turbines Spillway

  4. Waterpower Technologies Pumped Storage Upper and lower reservoirs Pumps/turbines A twist, but high value

  5. Waterpower Technologies Hydrokinetic Tidal/Wave/Lock Velocity component of Bernoulli’s equation Small energy output relative to conventional because of no head (except for lock application) Value in use of arrays and as components of meeting Renewable Portfolio Standards

  6. Facts of the Matter • We have impacted our landscape in many ways, including virtually all rivers • We cannot revert to “pristine” condition • Dam removal – many should go but… • Cost of compliance with agencies and special interest demands very high– costs come back to you • Ancillary benefits of hydro – no other industry compares

  7. …Facts of the Matter • 23,000 MW could be developed by 2025 without building a single new dam • In many (if not most) cases, fish restoration targets are overly optimistic • Licensing/Relicensing Costs, Time, and Uncertainty

  8. Typical Environmental Issues • Instream Flow • Recreation • Connectivity • Water Level Fluctuations • Endangered Species • Non-native Species • Special Interests

  9. Regulatory Drivers • Federal Power Act • Endangered Species Act • Clean Water Act • Magnuson Stevens Act • States law • Others

  10. Regulatory Drivers • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) • FPA Section 18 • CWA Section 401 • Licensing/Relicensing Process • PM&E’s • Special Interest Groups • Years to complete process

  11. Some Specifics • Instream Flow

  12. Some Specifics • Connectivity – Migratory Fish

  13. Some Specifics • Fish Passage

  14. Other Limiting Factors Some Specifics Non-native Species Contaminants Water Quality Watershed Development

  15. Bottom Line • Technically - waterpower technologies could be implemented in short order • 23,000 MW without any new dams! • There are new incentives to help achieve this but many obstacles remain • From an environmental perspective, it’s my opinion that this is a ‘no brainer’

  16. Thank you Tim Brush NormandeauAssociates www.normandeau.com

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