Operators of the Holtwood and Safe Harbor dams are weighing in against a proposed hydroelectric plant along the Susquehanna River in an area known as Cuffs Run in Chanceford Township, York County.’
- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is currently weighing whether to issue a permit allowing the developer, York Energy Storage LLC, to study the project’s feasibilty.
- Holtwood and Safe Harbor are downstream from the so-called pumped-storage project, which would involve pumping water out of the Susquehanna, storing it in a reservoir and letting it flow back to the river to generate power as needed.
- The dams are operated by subsidiaries of New York-based Brookfield Renewable U.S.
What’s the issue: In comments submitted this week to FERC, Brookfield subsidiaries BIF III Holtwood LLC and Safe Harbor Water Power Corp. say they are not opposed to pumped-storage plants in general.
- But they raise concerns that the proposed facility will hinder the ability of Holtwood and Safe Harbor to generate electricity under the requirements of their licenses.
- As a result, they argue, FERC should reject York Energy’s permit application.
- Bill McMahon, a principal at York Energy Storage, said he reached out to operators of the two dams over the last few weeks to share information.
- He argued that the Cuffs Run project would ultimately benefit Holtwood and Safe Harbor, since it would be releasing water during the same peak hours that the two dams would be generating power.
- “So, I can’t understand how they came up with their decision,” McMahon said, adding that he was surprised by their opposition.
The background: The Cuffs Run project has generated stiff pushback from local residents, officials and conservation groups.
- The project would occupy about 1,000 acres of riverside land and include a 580-acre reservoir, as well as related infrastructure.
- Critics have argued that the project — the latest in a string of similar proposals over the last quarter-century — will spoil the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
What’s next: FERC will make a decision on the permit application but there is no statutory deadline for doing so, according to agency spokesperson Celeste Miller.
- Both Holtwood and Safe Harbor are seeking status as intervenors, meaning they would be able to appeal any FERC decision on Cuffs Run.
- A coalition of conservation groups called the Susquehanna River Alliance also has secured intervenor status. Members include the Lancaster County Conservancy, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Susquehanna National Heritage Area.
