Dear Mayor and Councillors of the Town of Mississippi Mills,
Many people are opposed to the Enerdu project as it currently stands, and I am one of them. This project is described as “green”, but in reality, it’s not.
A green project doesn’t artificially raise the river level without regard for sensitive wetlands upriver. A green project doesn’t excavate the river bed and erect barriers that prevent fish and eels from swimming downriver. It doesn’t require a massive block of concrete projecting at least one third of the way into the river, thereby disrupting the natural river flow and increasing the likelihood of spring flooding. It doesn’t require massive amounts of concrete, blasting and heavy machinery to generate a negligible increase in generated power.
This project is described as a benefit to the Town’s economy, but it`s not. Mississippi Mills is blessed with a wealth of natural beauty and historical monuments, and the Almonte falls as they now exist are very definitely one of the best known and loved. Who in his or her right mind would agree to have this feature, which is marvelled at by people both from here and abroad, mutilated by one company for its own monetary benefit, and for the loss (of beauty, health, enjoyment, and monetary benefit) of thousands of residents and non-residents.
Several residents have come up with excellent ideas on how to build a dam that would create hydro-electric power with a much lower impact on the natural environment and on the appearance and public enjoyment of the Almonte falls. The Enerdu project as it`s currently proposed is NOT the way to go.
I have read many good suggestions in the Millstone as to how you Council members can voice your opposition to this ill-conceived project. Please work together to make known to the province and agencies responsible for reviewing such projects, your residents’ opposition to this project. I’m counting on you to do your job as our representatives, and to do your utmost to ensure that this project is rejected.
Sincerely yours,
Theresa Peluso
