PHOENIX--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 18, 2005--Arizona's first commercial hydroelectric power plants ceased operation today as part of a unique endeavor between APS, government agencies, Native American tribes, conservation groups and academia. By closing the Childs and Irving hydroelectric power plants in central Arizona, full water flow was restored to Fossil Creek after nearly a century of restricted flows.
 | | Full water flow of 43 cubic feet per second was restored to Fossil Creek today after Arizona Public Service voluntarily retired two historic hydroelectric plants that were nearly a century old. One of the most significant environmental events in Arizona's history, the return of water to Fossil Creek -- located about 120 miles north of Phoenix and operated by APS -- restores 14 miles of stream to its natural condition, restoring a unique riparian ecosystem. (Photo: Business Wire) |
The Childs and Irving power plants, located in a remote area between Strawberry and Camp Verde, were considered an engineering and logistical marvel when constructed almost 100 years ago. The small hydroelectric power plants provided energy essential to Arizona's growth, powering the booming mining operations in Jerome and the Bradshaw Mountains, and later energized the growing communities of Prescott and Phoenix. In 1999 and in concert with the Yavapai-Apache Nation, American Rivers, Arizona Riparian Council, Center for Biological Diversity, The Nature Conservancy and Northern Arizona Audubon Society, APS decided to decommission the Childs and Irving plants and restore full flow to Fossil Creek at the cost to APS of about $13 million. Despite the cost of decommissioning and lost revenue from plant operations, APS determined that restoring Fossil Creek to its natural flow outweighed the business benefits provided by the facility. "Our decision was based on what was best for Arizona," said Jack Davis, APS president and CEO. "As a responsible corporate citizen, we carefully reviewed our business goals and determined that closing the power plants, returning the stream to its full flow and recreating the natural condition of this beautiful area was simply the right decision.
"This is an unparalleled and exciting opportunity to return a work site to its pristine condition, creating an ecosystem where nature can continue to thrive," Davis added. "This cooperative effort will ultimately enhance the native riparian area and enrich an already popular recreation area that can be enjoyed for generations." Returning Fossil Creek to its full flow yields an additional 14 miles of wetland ecosystem valuable for wildlife habitat and creek-side recreation. Fossil Springs, which feeds Fossil Creek, is a unique Arizona water source. It provides a year-round flow of 43 cubic feet per second, and its high mineral content has helped form large travertine formations that native fish use for shelter and spawning. The restored flow should encourage the return of a greater number and variety of native fish and fauna. As part of the preparations for the return of full flow to Fossil Creek, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service and the Arizona Game & Fish Department conducted a native fish restoration project. The project, which recently was completed, included the removal of non-native species and construction of a fish barrier that keeps non-native fish from entering the restored area. An integral part of the region's heritage, the historic value of the Childs and Irving plants will not be ignored. APS worked with local historical groups and the surrounding communities to preserve as much of the facilities as possible. As a result, two of the plant's original structures -- the powerhouse and icehouse at the Childs site -- will remain as historic elements. Now that the Childs and Irving plants have been shut down, APS employees will begin deconstruction and removal of power plant structures. The site should be returned to the Forest Service by the end of 2009. APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electric utility, serves more than 989,500 customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the largest subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE: PNW). Re: Unprecedented Move by APS Improves Natural Environment; Power Plant Closure Gives Rebirth
Astronuc June 19th, 2005 - 12:45 PM
Some older dams are being demolished in the northeastern US as well with the same results - better environment and reintroduction of native fish species. | Re: Unprecedented Move by APS Improves Natural Environment; Power Plant Closure Gives Rebirth
Orstio June 19th, 2005 - 12:58 PM
Here is what some of the stakeholders had to say:
"We have participated in the decommissioning process as full partners because we believe the waters of Tu Do Tliz (Fossil Creek) should flow freely into Tu Cho (the Verde River). It also is a critical first step in restoring an important place within our home country to a more natural state. Our People are proud to have been involved with the construction of the facility, its maintenance and success over the decades, but now we are happy to let it go back to the way it should be. The facility's time has passed. This living water is a gauge of the health of the Canyon and it is Sacred to us. Let us all remain vigilant to make sure that the waters continue to flow freely and that Tu Do Tliz is treated with care and respect so all of our Grandchildren can enjoy it and count on it like our ancestors did. The permanent flowing water of Tu Do Tliz gives life to the place. Even though our People do not live there now, it remains a home in our heart."
"Today Fossil Creek is a river reborn and our newest national treasure. We applaud Arizona Public Service for its remarkable environmental stewardship. With this new beginning, we call on the Congress and the U.S. Forest Service to grant Fossil Creek protections and resources to safeguard this gem of the Southwest for generations to come. At a time when most of the news about the environment is dire and full of conflict, Fossil Creek offers us hope that with cooperation and commitment we can protect and restore our natural heritage."
"The Arizona Riparian Council applauds the decision by Arizona Public Service to cease hydropower production, and to return full stream flows to Fossil Creek. APS has been a true partner in working with the environmental community and others to make this unique opportunity a reality. We gratefully acknowledge the work of several generations of APS workers who have been good stewards of this magnificent stream."
"The APS' dam decommissioning and return of full flows to Fossil Creek truly is an historic event. The restoration of this remarkable travertine system will benefit Arizona's imperiled native fish in their time of desperate need. This also is a monumental victory for Arizona's natural heritage and future generations. Careful citizen vigilance still will be necessary to assure proper management and further protections for the creek, and to preserve the investment and efforts made by APS and others that we commemorate today. What a great gift to our kids. This is our legacy, and a great day for Arizona." |
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