Critics of Hydropower Production Urge Protection of South Carolina Waterways
Sep 28 - The Augusta Chronicle
Sep. 28--Plans to boost America's hydropower production also should include efforts to reduce environmental impacts on rivers, a South Carolina scientist told congressmen during a hearing Monday in Augusta.
Mr. Jobsis and eight others testified during a hearing at Enterprise Mill to
discuss the Federal Hydroelectric and Environmental Enhancement Act proposed by
U.S. Reps. Max Burns and Charlie Norwood, both of Georgia.
Their bill would authorize studies to improve hydropower capabilities at
federal projects, with the broader objective of re-affirming hydropower as a
clean, efficient method of generating electricity while reducing pollution and
the nation's dependence on foreign oil.
Mr. Jobsis pointed out that hydropower projects often create huge lakes that
eradicate the fragile ecology of streams and rivers. Hydropower dams also can
lower oxygen levels in streams and reduce spawning opportunities for migratory
fish.
The Savannah River near Augusta, Mr. Jobsis said, includes a four-mile
section of shoals and rapids that represent the last such ecosystem on the
river. The area, home to rare and endangered species, should be given
consideration on matters such as the pending re-licensing of the Augusta Canal,
he said.
The canal, a hydropower facility used by mills and the Augusta Utilities
Department, often has more water flowing through it than the river itself.
Future operating plans, Mr. Jobsis said, should require minimum flows in the
river to protect the shoals and its ecosystem.
Dayton Sherrouse, the executive director of the Augusta Canal Authority,
disagreed, saying the existing system has functioned well for more than 150
years.
Requiring additional flows in the river at the expense of water flowing down
the canal, he said, could disrupt a valuable regional tourism industry and
create obstacles for local mills that provide hundreds of jobs.
In other testimony Monday, Col. Mark Held, the Savannah District commander
for the Army Corps of Engineers, noted that Thurmond Dam upstream from Augusta
is undergoing $70 million in rehabilitation that includes the addition of
oxygen-vented turbines to improve water quality in the Savannah River.
In addition to Rep. Burns, Monday's hearing was attended by Rep. Ken Calvert
of California, the chairman of the House Subcommittee on Water and Power. Other
testimony came from representatives of the Southeastern Power Administration,
commercial hydropower interests, regional utilities such as Georgia Power Co.
and Augusta businessman Larry Lesser, the owner of Broadway Bait & Tackle.
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