River panel okays NYC hydro support

DAVID HULSE
Posted 8/21/12

NARROWSBURG, NY — Fred Peckham offered grudging support on April 7 as the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) approved a letter of support to Congress, backing New York City’s effort to extend its …

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River panel okays NYC hydro support

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NARROWSBURG, NY — Fred Peckham offered grudging support on April 7 as the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) approved a letter of support to Congress, backing New York City’s effort to extend its permit to build a hydroelectric generator at the Cannonsville Dam.

The two-year permit, issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, is set to expire in May without largely unprecedented Congressional action to extend it. Preliminary work had begun last summer when workers drilling test borings below the dam tapped into an aquifer, prompting concerns about a possible breach. The city’s proposed extension was approved by the House on March 16, but the Senate has yet to take up the legislation.

To forward its case with Congress, the city is seeking the support of governments and agencies in the affected area. As a result, two New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) officials to UDC’s March meeting. It was only the NYCDEP’s second appearance at a UDC meeting in 28 years, despite frequent past UDC requests on various issues.

UDC Chair Peckham, a Lordville resident, has been a frequent critic of city reservoir management policies. “This is typical of New York City. They want a 10-year extension of something they didn’t want in the first place. Then, when everybody forgets about it…” he said.

“I’m voting to agree to this [letter] because the Town [of Hancock] did, but it doesn’t hold New York City responsible,” he said.

Peckham’s comment related to uncertain city policy about the 14.08-MW hydroelectric station. Once said to be too costly to be feasible, the $72 million hydro effort had more recently been included in the city’s carbon emissions reduction plan, but in March NYCDEP admitted that new engineering studies will be needed to determine how increased costs will impact plans.

The only opposing vote on the letter came from Town of Delaware delegate Harold Roeder, noting that anglers, who could be affected by increased water temperatures, had not been asked for comment.

Another proposed letter, this one to PennDOT regarding repairs to the closed Skinners Falls Bridge, was tabled after the Damascus Township supervisors appeared at the meeting with questions.

Supervisors Chair Steve Adams wanted to press PennDOT to increase the bridge’s weight limit from four to seven tons, and noted that a clearance bar, designed to keep heavy truck traffic off, needs to be high enough to allow ambulance access. “It’s an active area for emergency responses,” he added.

Peckham felt that going from the four- to seven-ton weight limit would cost more and take longer. Emergency repairs are now scheduled to be completed by August 29.

Peckham directed UDC Executive Director Laurie Ramie to query PennDOT about the change at the upcoming May 18 annual meeting of the NY-PA Interstate Bridge Commission.

National Park Service Superintendent Kris Heister recommended that Damascus should not wait for the May meeting, but frame its own letter to PennDOT now.

“That bridge needs to be open as soon as possible,” said Berlin Township delegate Al Henry.

In other business, Heister reported on the “Every Kid in a Park,” campaign, part of this year’s NPS Centennial plans, which will bring programs on the Delaware & Hudson Canal to local elementary schools. With the exception of Shohola, “We’ve got every elementary school in the valley taking part.” The programs will be held on May 4, 5 and 6 and again on May 11, 12 and 13.

Starting in June, the NPS Centennial will be celebrated with a segmented 100-mile paddle, from Hancock downriver, terminating 30 miles inside the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. The trip will be segmented by town/township, and the NPS is seeking local guides to paddle along for each segment. The journey is scheduled to begin on Saturday, June 4, and continue on various dates throughout the boating season. Canoes and transportation will be provided for the local guides, and there will be buses for the public taking part. For more information about NPS programs, call 570/685-4871.

[Look for more information on the 2016 NPS Centennial activities in the river valley in The River Reporter’s Explore the Scenic Byway special section this May.]

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