30 Fairmont Park Lane S
Lethbridge, AB
T1K 7H7
Phone: (403) 328-1804
Friday, February 17, 2006
The Editor
The Lethbridge Herald
P.O. Box 670
Lethbridge
AB, T1J 3Z7
Dear Editor,
Two articles in the Herald today relate to energy production and use in southern Alberta.
Mayor Tarleck provides information on Economic Development Lethbridge and SouthGrow Regional Initiative. He promotes the development of alternative energy. (“Region poised to capitalize on sustainable energy sector”, 06/02/17, A7). The Economic Development Lethbridge website, in turn, provides some information on the proposed Lethbridge Cogeneration Demonstration Plant.
Another article discusses the proposed power line between Lethbridge and Great Falls. (“Local landowners continue to have power line concerns”, 06/02/17, A4).
These are interesting projects. However, there has been a dearth of credible information on their goals and overall benefit to the local community, Alberta, and Canada.
Citizens have raised concerns with both projects. The co-generation project, although relatively small as a power plant, has the potential for very significant environmental impact on the city and region. The need for the power line is nebulous. We have been told that it could transfer wind energy between Alberta and Montana to take advantage of differing winds in the two locales. That rationale seems specious without demonstration there really is a significant difference in wind regimes.
In view of the pioneering nature of the co-generation plant, the significant and international impact of the power line, and the questions from local citizen groups, it seems environmental assessment should be required for these projects. That would provide a structured forum for proponents to make a comprehensive case for their projects combined with a hearing to take into account citizen concerns.
Yours truly,
Duane Pendergast