Unprecedented Move by APS Improves Natural Environment; Power Plant Closure Gives Rebirth

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http://www.everything-science.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=141&Itemid=1

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 -- locate. . .

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Some older dams are being demolished in the northeastern US as well with the same results - better environment and reintroduction of native fish species.

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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."