… highlight their environmental, economic impact
Michigan residents highlight track record of safety, community engagement by Confluence Hydro
East Lansing, Mich. – “The waters around these dams are big reasons why people live, work and play here, and approval of this sale by the Michigan Public Service Commission is critical to the successful future of our community.”
That’s what Tyler Huntey, a small business owner who is raising his family in Big Rapids, told members of the Michigan Public Service Commission at the panel’s meeting on Thursday.
Huntey was among several Michiganders who encouraged the commission to approve the sale of 13 dams from Consumers Energy to Confluence Hydro, which was announced last year and has been the subject of a dozen community meetings across the state that featured members of the Confluence Hydro team to highlight their plans to safely manage these facilities.
Andy Fias, a Croton Township trustee who lives near the Croton Dam in Newaygo County, emphasized the importance of the dam on the economic well-being of his community.
“One third of my township’s $200 million in taxable value comes from the water frontage afforded by these dams,” he said. “It’s estimated that the Croton Dam attracts 13,000 fishing trips to our area each year. Without the MPSC’s approval of this sale, that could mean removal of the dams and devastation for our property values and local wealth.”
Mike Krcatovich, supervisor of Valley Township in Allegan County, said the Calkins Bridge Dam is critical to keeping out the round goby and sea lamprey, invasive species that are devastating for fisheries.
“Getting rid of the dam would open a Pandora’s Box of dangerous consequences,” Krcatovich said. “The Calkins Bridge Dam and Lake Allegan are the reasons many of us live in this area, and the MPSC must listen to the neighbors who live around these dams. The Confluence Hydro team has shown us they are committed to Michigan and these dams. The MPSC should approve this sale.”
Consumers Energy has stated they plan to begin a phased decommissioning of the dams of the sale is not approved, starting with Hardy, Rogers, Alcona and Hodenpyl dams in a process which would take 20 years. At Hardy, for example, Consumers would lower the reservoir after Labor Day with no plans to refill in the spring.
Huntey, who lives near the Hardy dam in the Stanwood area, told the commission about his concern about removing the dam.
“Removing the dams would introduce uncertainty that ripples far beyond the shoreline, impacting homeowners, local governments and the broader regional economy,” Huntey said.
A May survey of 600 Michigan voters by GQR, a leading polling firm based in Washington, D.C., found that 63% of Michigan voters support the dam sale. That support rises to 67% among voters living in counties with a dam.
The survey, conducted May 23-28, also found that respondents deeply value the preservation of the state’s river dams, with nearly 60% of those who responded to the survey saying they have a favorable view of the dams. Respondents also showed strong support for hydroelectric energy with 77% saying it is their preferred energy source, outpacing support for natural gas, solar, coal and wind.
