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| Metro Hydroelectric wants to construct a hydro plant in Gorge Metro Park, reportedly near what is referred to as "Butterfly Rock." |
Save the Gorge
Metro Hydroelectric Company, based in Fairlawn, Ohio, wants to generate electricity in Gorge Metro Park by utilizing the old Ohio Edison dam on the Cuyahoga River. Scores of groups are opposed to the project, including the Ohio EPA, the City of Cuyahoga Falls and Friends of Metro Parks.
FERC Terminates Testing Permit
On July 11, 2007, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission denied Metro Hydro's request to reconsider a previous decision, in which the company's permit to conduct tests in Gorge Metro Park was terminated.
Months earlier, the company was denied access to the park by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Metro Parks attorney Bob Gippin wrote: "We are very pleased that the Court of Appeals has agreed (with Metro Parks) .... This stay order does not finally decide the case, but we are now optimistic that the federal lawsuit will ultimately be dismissed."
Metro Hydro's proposal would lead to the construction of roads, destruction of old growth forests, loss of sensitive habitat for numerous rare and endangered species, poor water quality and the destruction of park views and aesthetics.
Contact FERC
Contact the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and thank them for terminating Metro Hydro's permit to test in Gorge Metro Park. All letters must reference the Metro Hydroelectric Company, Project Number P-12484-001. Send letters to:
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Attn. Magalie R. Sala, Secretary
888 First Street, NE
Room 1A
Washington, D.C. 20426
For more information, contact Friends of Metro Parks: 330-865-1027, info@friendsofmetroparks.org
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