WRIGHTSVILLE, Pa. — A proposal for a $2.1 billion hydroelectric dam in Chanceford Township, York County is resurfacing again after a developer resubmitted plans to federal regulators.
If approved, the 1.8-mile backup energy facility would be built along the hillside of the Susquehanna River. The plan would level 39 homes to complete the project.
The initial plan submitted by York Energy Storage, a Reading-based company, was rejected by the Federal Regulatory Commission in September for not having clearly defined boundaries. The company's CEO said the new proposal addresses those concerns.
“We updated the lines where our borders are going to be, and so it’s clearer where we’re going to need the land," said Bill McMahon, the CEO of York Energy Storage.
Environmentalists argue that the project will disrupt natural habitats in the surrounding area. Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Ted Evgeniadis added that the dam would put even more strain on the watershed, which is already going through drought-like conditions.
“If we continue to put more projects that are going to further impact our river, that’s pretty scary because we have a river that needs help," said Evgeniadis.
Evgeniadis argued that the fixes to the proposal won’t change how bad the dam will be for the environment.
“If they have a plan to do a pump storage facility, they can take it somewhere else," said Evgeniadis.
Meanwhile, McMahon said the dam will be a net positive for the community and the river.
“We’re in it to make sure that we’re helping renewable energy, which most people are in favor of," said McMahon. “I care about the water, I care about the fish, and I care about the deer. When we’re done, we’ll be [more environmentally] friendlier than it is right now.”