[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

dam-l Utility Restructuring

TO:		Ann Botshon
FROM:		Betty Quick, Energy Co-Chair
		Sierra Club/Atlantic Chapter
RE:		Restructuring of the power industry
DATE:		Sept. 25, 1998

RESTRUCTURING OF THE POWER INDUSTRY

					PUBLIC NOTICE
Health Canada recommends that regular consumption of lake trout and
northern pike from the Churchill River and Lake Winokapau should be
limited to the following maximum amounts because of continuing elevated
mercury levels in the flesh of fish.
	Lake trout: two meals per month		Northern pike: one meal per week

	This warning, in English, French, Innu and Inuit, is on a large sign on
the Churchill River in Labrador.   The mercury contamination is caused
by Hydro-Quebec's Churchill Falls Hydro project with its huge
reservoirs.  H-Q's reservoirs, whether on Innu lands in Labrador of Cree
lands in Quebec, result in water soluble mercury which then
bio-accumulates in the food chain.  Those at the top of the food chain,
such as people and ospreys, are most at risk.  
	What does this have to do with restructuring of the power industry?  As
part of utility restructuring, you will be soon able to choose your
electricity supplier. You will need accurate information if you want
your choice to support environmentally friendly renewables.    
	The NYS Department of Public Service (PSC) is proposing an
Environmental Disclosure label with the idea of "Empowering New York
Consumers To Make Informed Electricity Choices".  The PSC's sample label
lists 9 fuel sources, one of which is "hydro".  Just hydro - with no
geographic information and no distinction between run-of-the-river hydro
and large-scale reservoir hydro and no 800 number to call for more
information.  
	The issue isn't size.  For example Niagara Falls hydro, though huge, is
a run-of-the-river project.  It floods no indigenous lands, produces no
mercury contamination, emits no greenhouse gases (rotting vegetation in
reservoirs in boreal regions produces methane and CO2), destroys no
free- flowing rivers, and endangers no migratory birds.  
	In comments submitted to the PSC by Environmental Advocates and the
Sierra Club, we say that these two types of hydroelectric power need to
be differentiated.  We also call for disclosure of the effects of
nuclear power.  We say that the label should include an 800 number so
that consumers could get a brochure or guide to the environmental
characteristics of all energy products.  The PSC could prepare its own
guide or, better yet, support and advertise the guide already being
prepared by the Pace Energy Project.  
	This would meet the PSC goal of "empowering NY consumers to make
informed electricity  choices".