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Show Conclusions In future development programs for the Con- necticut and other river basins, it is essential that interpretation and application of this conserva- tion law7 include provision for not only the pres- ervation of fish and wildlife resources, but also the propagation or increase of these resources to- gether with their habitat, as associated with future Federal reservoirs. Plans for conservation and development of the water resources of the basin should include cooperative Federal-State programs to ameliorate pollution, provide facilities to elimi- nate or bypass river barriers to fish migration, and encourage protection of spawning grounds. Where practicable, facilities for recreational use of reservoirs should be included in plans for development. 5. The Place of a Pooled Account in Power Planning and Administration The Problem Appropriateness of pooling the costs and revenues of hydroelectric power plants which may be con- structed by the Federal Government in one account on a basin, or region-wide basis. The Situation This problem is not an immediate one in the Connecticut River Basin because there are no Fed- eral hydroelectric plants operating, under construc- tion, or authorized within the basin. However, Congress lias recently authorized a new investiga- tion of tbie Connecticut and other New England streams upon a comprehensive basis. Hydroelec- tric power- would be one of the primary objectives of development. Consideration of New York streams and of power developments on the Niagara and St. Lawrence Rivers will be included. Even in. the absence of results from the compre- hensive reports, the general characteristics of elec- tric power production in the Connecticut Basin and New England are evident. Hydroelectric power in the Connecticut Basin is best suited functionally and economically to serve peak power loads. It has its best use in serving the northeastern regional load when Connecticut hydro is operated in coordination with base load T Act of August 14, 1946, 60 Stat. 1080, 16 U. S. C. 661 et seq. plants-either steam or hydroelectric. It will be possible to integrate Connecticut hydroelectric with steam-electric power and/or base load hydroelectric power from Maine and the St. Lawrence River. On a region-wide basis, the hydroelectric power plants that may be constructed by the Federal Govern- ment may be coordinated in part with existing plants and in part as an independent integrated hydroelectric system. In 1949, hydroelectric power in New England, ex- clusive of Maine, accounted for 19 percent of the installed capacity and 17 percent of the energy pro- duction, with steam being responsible for the re- mainder. Although the amount of undeveloped water power is substantial and its importance should not be minimized, it is certain that steam-electric power will continue to be an important source of electricity within the region, with hydroelectric gen- eration complementing steam. Consideration of the ultimate power develop- ment of New England cannot be made without reference to Maine hydroelectric power and possible developments at Niagara Falls and on the St. Law- rence River. There are in Maine potentialities for the development of about 1.8 million kilowatts installed capacity, including the Passamaquoddy tidal power project. A possibility also exists for transmission of power into New England which may be developed at potential projects along the St. Lawrence River, and at the Niagara Falls rede- velopment. By contrast with the Connecticut, these projects in particular could supply base load power which normally is supplied by steam in the New England system. Potential dependable capacity of 1.1 million kilowatts is estimated to be available in the Niagara redevelopment, and 700,000 kilo- watt dependable capacity on the St. Lawrence. If interconnected this base load power could be com- bined with Connecticut Valley peaking capacity into a public system. Such a combination would have advantages due to the combined potentiality for meeting load characteristics, and would provide the neighboring populations of New York and New England with an effective means of securing ade- quate electric power at lower rates. Further development of water power in the basin, and in the entire New England-New York region, will be planned and generally adapted to the above conditions. The extent to which existing utility interests, local public agencies, or the Federal Government will as- sume the major responsibility for the generating of additional water power and for the power supply 494 |
