Montco dam potential to be examined
NORRISTOWN Montgomery County is exploring whether the Norristown Dam on the Schuylkill would support a hydroelectric power system. A nationwide study by Oakridge National Laboratory identified the 869-foot-long, 12-foot-high dam as a potential hydroelectric site, estimating that it could generate 12 million kilowatts per year - enough to power 3,600 homes, said Ken Starr, county director of assets and infrastructure.
NORRISTOWN Montgomery County is exploring whether the Norristown Dam on the Schuylkill would support a hydroelectric power system.
A nationwide study by Oakridge National Laboratory identified the 869-foot-long, 12-foot-high dam as a potential hydroelectric site, estimating that it could generate 12 million kilowatts per year - enough to power 3,600 homes, said Ken Starr, county director of assets and infrastructure.
The county commissioners on Thursday agreed to spend $50,000 and to request another $50,000 from the state to fund a study of the dam's water flow, conduct site-mapping, and work up cost estimates and a preliminary environmental impact analysis for such a system.
If the study finds the project is feasible, the county would request another grant from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to help install the system, and possibly seek a partner to run the system or buy the dam from the county.
- Jessica Parks