Thread: Hydroelectric power on the Big 4

The county added turbines and generators to our low head dams on the White at and above Batesville touting how we'd never have another poor day from all the revenue they'd produce. Now the bonds are in default and they don't consistently produce enough electricity to power anything. They're an eyesore and the county's credit rating is in the crapper. I'm sure someone made money though.

My source says that "a company" is researching this and that is all, the COE has made no decisions and is in the very early stages of even considering it.

The proposed hydroelectric facilities have been in the conceptual phase for several years. Recently they have received some of their licenses and are now working towards the actual approved design and construction phase. There are still several more steps for them to go through. These facilities will operate based on the current rule curve and release schedule of the 4 MS Lakes. We will NOT change the operation of the lakes. These hydro plants will be built along the outlet channel at each lake. They will utilize the current that we provide under normal operation. IE: when we are not releasing, they are not getting any power. These facilities have been in the talks for several years and have been discussed with the local Lake Champions. There have also been local town hall meetings and news releases in the local towns and newspapers. I'm sure as the designs get finalized and it gets ready for construction, there will be additional meetings. Again, there will be no change to operations and should be minimal, if any, affect on recreational opportunities at the outlet channels.

PS. The cleaning station at Sardis had to be torn out due to things other than fish being put into them. We have had the materials for the dock at Sardis for 2 years but high water has hindered us. We plan on putting it in this fall/winter. We are also working on getting docks for Enid and Arkabutla. The big fluctuation in water levels has been a challenge for these dock designs but we are working through the challenges.

I find it pretty hard to believe. Water has to moving to generate electicity. It has to be cut off for flood control. The two just don't go together.

There was plans for this 8-10 years ago . Not sure about the others but deal on Enid was very small . You will not be looking at another Pickwick .

If it's beneficial and the returns outweigh the cost, then I would say go for it. I'm with some of the others who kind of view this as a scheme or a political stunt. It's odd as well that with all these news releases and town hall meetings that this is the first a lot of people have heard of this idea, and little is to be found on the topic. Kind of seems like since the licenses have been obtained and construction plans are being made that it's going to happen wether the tax payers like it or not. Don't know about the other 3, but at Arkabutla they would be better off installing wind turbines, a lot more wind on the lake then water released into the outlet channel in any given year IMO.. but I've never known government to waste any tax dollars, no sir.. never.

Look forward to the docks!!!

Originally Posted by doggone

I would say it may be possible. It's just one of those things where some people work out a scheme to get rich.It does not matter if its practical or needed. You start a company and work up some bogus numbers to show its viable,lobby some congressmen to support it. They manipulate some bills for some pork...job gets funded,some people get rich and politician gets some type of kick back you will probably never hear about. Taxpayer is stuck with the bill and cost of operation from now on. Even if it loses money.

10 years later some reporter is running article"Hydropower project in Mississippi is not fulfilling promise for cheap and sustainable power."

Does not matter...guy who conceived it put a million he skimmed off of it in an offshore account...sent two kids to an ivy league college...and bought a vacation house in Palm Beach Fl and a big yacht and does not work anymore. Mission accomplished.

Sounds like a beef processing plant ! lol The Nissan of the north , lol give ma a break .