Feasibility study for Boardman River hydroelectric power. Final report
The feasibility of generating additional hydroelectric power from five consecutive existing dams located on the Boardman River in Grand Traverse County and Traverse City, Michigan, was investigated. The potential hydropower production capabilities, in terms of base load power and peak load power, the legal-institutional-environmental constraints, and the economic feasibility, including capital investment, operating costs and maintenance costs, were evaluated for each of the five dam sites individually and as a series of co-dependent facilities. The impact of installing fish passages at each site was analyzed separately. The feasibility assessment utilized the present worth analytical method, considering revenue based on thirty mills/kWh for power, 0.4% general economy escalation rate, and a 6% net income to the municipal utility. The sensitivity of fuel costs increasing at a different rate than the general price-escalation was tested by allowing the increase in fuel costs to vary from 3 to 8% per year. Assuming fuel costs increase at the same rate as the general economy, it is feasible to update, retrofit, renovate, and install hydroelectric generating capacity at Sabin, Boardman and Brown Bridge. Rehabilitation of Union Street and Keystone is also feasible but somewhat less attractive. Operating the dams as a co-dependent system has environmental advantages and can provide additional revenue through peak load power rates. A development plan to implement the above is outlined utilizing an ownership arrangement whereby Grand Traverse County provides easements for Sabin and Boardman Dams. The plan calls for operation of the system by Traverse City.
- Research Organization:
- Grand Traverse County, Traverse City, MI (USA); Traverse City Dept. of Light and Power Office, MI (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EW-78-F-07-1792
- OSTI ID:
- 5858581
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ID/01792-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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LOW-HEAD HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
ECONOMICS
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
MICHIGAN
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
DAMS
LEGAL ASPECTS
RETROFITTING
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY SOURCES
GREAT LAKES REGION
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
NORTH AMERICA
POWER
POWER PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
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130100* - Hydro Energy- Resources & Availability