UPPCO Unveils Weak Environmental Study for Land Sales
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Upper Peninsula Power Company (a subsidiary of Wisconsin Public Service) hosted public open house sessions on August 7 and 8, 2006, to unveil a recently completed “environmental assessment” of six Upper Peninsula reservoirs impacted by an UPPCO land sale to land developer Naterra, Inc. These meetings demonstrated that, again, UPPCO has fallen far short of fulfilling the requirements of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license and failed to answer many questions presented by the public.
The environmental surveys, conducted by E/PRO Engineering and Environmental Consulting of Maine, amount to no more than a snapshot of the characteristics of the site at one time of the year. Focusing on the “Recreation, Wildlife, Loon, and Aesthetic Resources” of each site, the studies were compiled through visits made to each site in the months of May and June, 2006. Collected data represents only conditions at time of observation, and, by admission of the consultant, fail to account for seasonal differences, fluctuation in reservoir level, and wildlife migration.
UPPCO Has Been Unable to Maintain Water Levels at Bond Falls Flowage.
Will This Affect Planned Development? photo Linda Rein
Even with additional data provided by agencies such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and US Forest Service, the studies have significant omissions. At the Bond Falls site, for example, the unique habitat and recreational opportunities at Little Falls, where the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River drains into the reservoir, receives no mention, much less an assessment. It was even mis-labeled as Interior Creek. This can be explained by the brief contact E/PRO had with the sites, and begs to question what else has been overlooked.
When pressed on why the studies were incomplete, an E/PRO representative stated they were hired to complete only a “resource map,” not a more in-depth effects analysis study. UPPCO’s environmental consultant Shawn Puzen said that, at this point, an Environmental Impact Statement is “not appropriate,” claiming no specific proposal for development has yet been made.
However, Naterra announced plans earlier this summer to develop 424 lots at Bond Falls, with 35 individual and 40 multi-slip piers on the flowage waterfront. Additionally, UPPCO has wasted no time speculating tax revenues for development at Bond Falls and other sites.
No indication was given at any point during these meetings of when a more thorough Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) might be initiated.
UPPCO presented the public with documents demonstrating some of the anticipated tax returns to local townships. They stated explicitly that the greatest revenues will be reaped when Naterra is allowed to complete extensive development, including docks, stairways, and other private uses of project lands.
Undeveloped Shoreline of Victoria Reservoir photo Al Warren
The topic of proposed non-project uses was prohibited from discussion at the meetings. No questions were allowed to be asked about the cost of new and upgraded services that developers will expect townships to provide, or the impacts greater revenue from development may have on UPPCO’s sale price.
These environmental assessments do not resemble the Environmental Impact Statements required under the FERC license, and do not fulfill requirements of the FERC process. The Upper Peninsula Public Access Coalition (UPPAC) has retained legal help and is prepared to file suit if the necessary impact studies required by federal law are not conducted. Northwoods Alliance, the fiscal sponsor for UPPAC, is seeking tax-deductible donations for the legal defense of these lands.
Results of the environmental assessments are found on UPPCO’s website, and UPPCO is taking written comments on the studies until August 28, 2006. Additionally, there will be future opportunities to comment. We urge comments to be also sent to FERC, attention Magalie Roman Salas, 888 First St. NE, Washington DC, 20426.
For more information, contact Upper Peninsula Access Coalition. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact Northwoods Alliance:
Northwoods Alliance, Inc.
6063 Baker Lake Rd.
Conover, WI 54519
e-mail:
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phone: 715-479-8528