The Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project would significantly degrade the recreational experience and unique ecological values of one of North America’s most iconic wilderness rivers. The Susitna is one of only a handful of large river systems around the world that remains in its free-flowing condition from the headwaters to the ocean. Experienced kayakers and packrafters from around the world are drawn to the unique challenge this river presents. The rapids of Watana and Devil’s Canyon include some of the world’s most challenging whitewater and the entire upper Susitna provides a unique opportunity for an exceptionally high quality wilderness river experience.

 

The proposed project would alter the Susitna River’s flow regime, and flood a river segment currently listed as eligible for addition to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, based in part on its recreational and aesthetic resources. Unique opportunities for solitude and wilderness exploration highly valued by our membership would no longer be available. While new road access and regulated flows through Devil’s Canyon could enhance accessibility to the challenging whitewater of the reach downstream of the proposed Watana Dam, the fundamental elements that define the unique qualities of this wilderness river would be lost. The prospect of enhanced access is not worth the desecration of one of our continent's most treasured free-flowing rivers.

 

In addition, American Whitewater is concerned with the significant anticipated impacts of the project on river ecology, terrestrial resources, habitat for fish and wildlife, cultural resources, subsistence lifestyles, and the economy of local communities that depend on adventure-based tourism. 

 

While the project would be constructed with a capacity of 600MW, actual generation would be less than half of that. The generation potential is small relative to the economic costs (several billion dollars) and impacts to one of Alaska's most iconic wild rivers. Others have been down this path before and many millions of dollars have been spent on past hydro proposals. We believe that conservation and efficiency improvements would be a better alternative to this project. Other more cost-effective and less environmentally damaging alternatives for energy generation do exist.

 

Instructions on Providing Comments

 

Comments on the project can be provided at any time through the FERC website (instructions below) but formal interventions and comments on the preliminary permit are due on January 16th (if you miss this deadline it is still worth filing a comment).

 

There are three options available to file comments:

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-14241-001) 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.

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-14241-001. 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-14241-001) in your introductory paragraph so that your comment is filed correctly.

 

Read Comments of American Whitewater

 

Learn More at Susitna Dam Alternatives <http://susitnadamalternatives.org/>

 

Photo: Alan Panebaker in Devil's Canyon, by Shawn Robertson