Montgomery County is making strides towards renewable energy with a new hydroelectric power project at Norristown Dam. Officials hosted a public meeting on Wednesday to discuss the initiative, which is currently seeking federal approval.
The county recently submitted an Initial Consultation Document to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), marking the beginning of a 2-5 year approval process. Wednesday’s meeting was part of this regulatory journey.
The proposed hydroelectric project is expected to generate approximately 7,300 MWh annually, more than sufficient to power One Montgomery Plaza and the new Justice Center in Norristown, which together have an annual power demand of 3,600 MWh.
Montgomery County took ownership of the Norristown Dam from PECO in the 1990s. Built in the early 19th century as part of the Schuylkill Navigation System, the dam has a rich history, including a fish ladder installed in 2008 for migrating American shad. The county began exploring hydroelectric options in 2016, and a 2023 feasibility study indicated that advancements in hydropower technology had made the project financially viable.
During the meeting at Bridgeport Borough Hall, County Commissioners Tom DiBello and Neil Makhija, along with members of the Montgomery County Planning Commission and consulting firm Verdantas, presented the project proposal and addressed public comments. Attendees also toured the proposed dam site.
Commissioner Makhija emphasized the importance of the project in achieving the county’s climate action goals, which include using 100% renewable energy for all county operations by 2050.
“We needed to get to net zero carbon emissions by 20 years ago,” Makhija stated. “We are already behind in our renewable energy targets, so we must take every step within our power to take climate action now. Utilizing county-owned properties like this dam for renewable energy is crucial.”
Public feedback at the meeting was largely supportive, though some attendees raised concerns about power distribution, impacts on fish and aquatic life, flood levels in Bridgeport, and recreational activities on the Schuylkill River. Verdantas representatives assured that these factors will be thoroughly studied during the federal permitting process.
Community members can submit comments directly to FERC using project number P-15347. All comments and study requests must be submitted by August 4.
The current plan involves a submerged unit on the Bridgeport side of the river, with a small onshore control unit about the size of a shipping container.
Bridgeport Borough Council President Saba Al-Zaid expressed her support for the project and its importance in addressing climate change and flooding issues in the community.
“This neighborhood and town are greatly affected by global warming. We’ve experienced multiple floods, and it’s a constant concern,” Al-Zaid said. “Bridgeport created a public safety committee to combat this issue. It's crucial to prepare for increased flooding and reduce carbon emissions.”
Zach Davis, chair of the Upper Merion Township Environmental Advisory Council, also attended the meeting and voiced his excitement about the project, highlighting the benefits of local, clean, and renewable energy.
“I think it is the morally right thing to do and fiscally responsible. It allows us to rely less on the grid and more on our natural resources, such as the Schuylkill River. This is an easy way to have clean, renewable energy in our community,” Davis said.
Source: whyy.org