A line of new fence posts drew my attention this week along a section of the Albany-Santiam Canal. It brought to mind the stories I did six years ago about this very spot.
Traveling around Albany, whether on a bike or otherwise, means you’re likely to cross the Albany-Santiam Canal. Sometimes this waterway offers a mildly interesting sight.
Albany’s small hydropower plant, restored in 2009 at a cost of about $2.2 million, was never going to justify the investment in terms of money. Now, rising costs due to more federal regulation are causing the city staff to consider shutting the operation down.
Contrary to what I reported on Sept. 17, the city of Albany says it could still build walkways or “esplanades” along the Santiam Canal even though it told the federal government it had no plans for and did not allow recreational uses along the canal.
Albany hydro needs a DEQ certification
Albany’s small hydropower turbine has not turned for almost two years and may never spin again, but the bureaucracy concerning it grinds on.
Tags: Albany hydro, FERC, generator, State DEQ, Vine Street powerhouse, water quality certification