[env-trinity] Trinity Journal: TPUD’s Lewiston plan runs into problems

[Tom Stokely]

http://www.trinityjournal.com/news/local/article_971be3f8-679c-11e3-ba7a-0019bb30f31a.html 
TPUD’s Lewiston plan runs into problems
By AMY GITTELSOHN The Trinity Journal | Posted: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 6:15 am
A proposed project of the Trinity Public Utilities District to upgrade the small generator at Lewiston Dam continues to be hard-fought.
The idea for the Lewiston Project was conceived as a hedge against future legislative mandates for renewable energy. Energy from large hydroelectric facilities such as Trinity Dam upstream is not considered renewable by the state.
Currently, the generator at Lewiston Dam only powers the fish hatchery.
At the TPUD’s board meeting last Thursday, General Manager Paul Hauser updated directors on negotiations with the federal Bureau of Reclamation to get the project done.
The project is currently estimated to cost $16 million, much of which is to come out of TPUD reserves that were freed up with a loan. Reclamation is to pay $4 million of the cost. The TPUD would get rights to sell most of the electricity produced and has an agreement with the city of Redding for purchase of the power.
The project costs have risen from previous estimates, and Hauser said the district will have to borrow additional money to make it happen.
Also, he noted that Reclamation wants to insert language stating that the TPUD must reimburse Reclamation for any actions the district takes that cost Reclamation money. Hauser wants reciprocal language. As an example, he noted that rather than an eye-wash station that costs a few hundred dollars, Reclamation is requiring a full, self-contained shower costing $150,000.
“All things considered I think it’s a very difficult project,” Hauser said.
He said Reclamation wants the project to be built but did not have any success trying to shop it around to other agencies.
TPUD Director Richard Morris said he is disappointed with Reclamation’s position, noting that the project will enhance the fishery in addition to the renewable energy. Part of the project is to lower the intake from Lewiston Lake for the power plant, making the water released to the Trinity River cooler for fish.
In another issue, Director Keith Groves shared that he has requested the Trinity County Board of Supervisors discuss a 1982 county ordinance that places a 6 percent tax on sales of hydroelectricity by many different types of entities, including districts. “The numbers I gave you do not include a 6 percent tax,” Hauser noted.
 
Tom Stokely
Water Policy Analyst/Media Contact
California Water Impact Network
V/FAX 530-926-9727
Cell 530-524-0315
tstokely at att.net
http://www.c-win.org
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