Feds Permit New York Pumped Storage Project

At the New York Daily Record, Feds reject request to reconsider preliminary approval of Cuffs Run hydroelectric project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has rejected an attempt from a coalition of conservation and environmental groups to reconsider the commission's decision to grant preliminary approval for the Cuffs Run pumped storage facility along the Susquehanna River.

The groups, which included the Lancaster Conservancy, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, the Farm and Natural Lands Trust of York County, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and others, had challenged the commission's ruling to permit York Energy Storage, a Reading-based company, to continue studying the $2.3 billion project in Chanceford Township.

The groups, citing errors they believed the commission made while granting the preliminary permit, contend the project would destroy preserved farmland, scenic trails and the forests that protect the ecological health what is already considered an impaired waterway.

The project would result in the creation of a reservoir that would displace 40 residents of Chanceford Township and the destruction of farmland and woodlands.

As it stands, York Energy Storage has at least four years to complete studies into the proposed project's economic and ecological viability and impact.

The project would involve construction of a 1.8-mile dam and power turbine pumped storage facility at Cuffs Run ravine, south of Long Level.

There's no doubt about it. Building a new dam and reservoir in a populated state like New York is going to displace people and businesses, and cover former farm and woodlands with water, (better fishing, though!) But pumped storage is one of the few practical ways we have of evening out the intermittent production of power by renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. Would you rather have a massive lithium battery storage area, to catch fire, and inundate the surrounding region with toxic gases?

On the other hand, at least for the next 4 years, I don't expect the demand for wind and solar to soar.