Fwd: SAVE THE ORANGE RIVER GORGE

An alert from a longtime friend from SA.

Begin forwarded message:

From: Graeme Addison <ngmuntu@gmail.com>

Date: October 25, 2013 3:24:40 AM PDT

To: Gustav Greffrath APA Council <gustav@itchyfeetsa.co.za>, "Alice Jay - Avaaz.org" <avaaz@avaaz.org>, lori@internationalrivers.org

Cc: YEEHA <yeeha@riverman.co.za>

Subject: SAVE THE ORANGE RIVER GORGE

Dear supporter of free rivers

Do you know that we could soon see a section of the Orange River Gorge impounded (channelled and possibly dammed) and used to generate electricity for a private consortium?

The magnificent Orange River Gorge and other sections of the Orange which are also due for hydro projects are not for companies to exploit as they wish.  This is the use of a common resource for private gain. It must be completely opposed in principle. I have little information right now about the projects but will be researching and letting you know.

Whether or not we succeed in preventing such abuse, we must also campaign for improved rights for river runners and all users such as hikers and local communities who could bear costs in one way or another. Nothing is to be gained at this stage by helping the consultants for the Environmental Impact Assessment. I know from past experience of other projects that  consultants are  retained by the developers. Opposition to such projects may be turned into evidence for "mitigation" of the projects (ie to support the basic proposal with some concessions). All avenues of public and legal protest should bring pressure to bear to prevent despoilation of the river that belongs to all of us.

The report below is of vital interest to river runners in South Africa. Notice how on The Snoqualmie River the local paddling organisation and the paddling community brought pressure to bear on developers to object to river closure. Also, that the eventual outcome was a better form of access and some degree of discipline on the developers.
 
I will keep you briefed on the Orange River proposals as they are put to public comment.  READ ON BELOW ABOUT THE SNOQUALMIE RIVER IN USA.

--

GO WITH THE FLOW!

Regards
Graeme, The Riverman
Mobile: 084 245 2490
http://riverman.co.za/
http://otters.co.za/
http://vdome.co.za/
PO Box 289, PARYS 9585 Free State, South Africa

http://playak.com/news.php?idd=2694108607877 

Snoqualmie Powerhouse Run, New Access Opens (WA)

posted October 23, 2013

 

by Thomas O'Keefe

After more than three years of waiting the access to the Powerhouse run on the Snoqualmie River is now open for public use. While this is a short run of less than a mile, it is a popular and important section of river less than 30 miles from Seattle.

In April 2010, the boating community learned that Puget Sound Energy (PSE) intended to close the river access at the Snoqualmie Falls Powerhouse in June of 2010 for an extended period while the powerhouse was rebuilt. More than 40 public comments were filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to express concern with the loss of this river section and to request that FERC require a temporary river access during construction. As one of the most important rivers for training and safety instruction, the loss of access was a major impact to the regional paddling community. FERC ultimately ruled against requiring PSE to provide river access during construction.

 

We are pleased to report that despite our frustrations with the length of the closure, PSE did work with American Whitewater and regional clubs in designing the new access. The river access at the downstream side of the powerhouse is marked by a sign and instead of a jumbled pile of rip-rap as existed before, the contractor placed a pathway of flat stones that serve as steps down to the water. An upgraded parking area, restrooms, bike racks (this is an easy bike shuttle), and a boater drop-off area are all new features we worked to design. PSE consulted with American Whitewater throughout the construction and provided opportunities for site tours that allowed us to provide recommendations and feedback.

 

This project has been an important success because originally PSE cited security and operational concerns with an access adjacent to the powerhouse, and proposed alternatives further downstream. We successfully pushed for access adjacent to the Powerhouse, making the point that every rapid on the short reach is important for instruction and training. While we originally requested a formal access point upstream of the Powerhouse, FERC ruled against this citing "safety issues". You can still work your way upstream to this site but we recommend doing so on river left so you are not immediately in front of the powerhouse on river right.

 

The Snoqualmie River Powerhouse run is about one mile of the best training and practice water that is easily accessible. No other class II reach in the area provides the diversity of features for learning and practicing skills. The local paddling community felt the loss of the Powerhouse run and today all are celebrating restored access.