FERC approves Wailua hydro

LIHU‘E — The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative’s application for a preliminary permit to develop 6.6 megawatts of hydroelectric power on Wailua River.

Filed by energy developer Free Flow Power on behalf of KIUC, the Wailua River Hydroelectric Project permit calls for the construction of a 23-foot-high, 508-foot-long concrete diversion structure 1,000 feet upstream of Wailua Falls and a 35-acre reservoir, according to the FERC application.

The permit application is one of six filed within the last five months. Others include: Wailua Reservoir Water Power Project, Hanalei River Hydroelectric Project, Kitano Water Power Project, Makaweli River Power Project and Kekaha Waimea Water Power Project.

All applications were filed by Free Flow on behalf of KIUC, and all but the Wailua River permit are yet to be approved.

As guest speaker at the Lihu‘e Business Association meeting Thursday, KIUC’s newly appointed CEO, David Bissell, said regardless of what permit applications specify, the utility does not plan to build a dam.

“We want to dispel the idea that we’re damming up rivers,” he said.

Hiring Free Flow to quickly file preliminary permit applications along the island’s rivers and ditches is more about securing the resources for future development rather than allowing private energy developers access, Bissell said, comparing it to staking claims during a gold rush.

Preliminary FERC permits allow energy developers to maintain exclusive licensing for a given energy resource for a period of three years, during which the developer may perform feasibility studies, including environmental impact analysis and community outreach.

“There are three or four more permits that are expected to come into the fray,” Bissell said. “We have to have a lot in the works because some may not go through.”

• Vanessa Van Voorhis, staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or by emailing vvanvoorhis@ thegardenisland.com.