Does ORNL ever recommend against a proposed hydroelectric dam?
Sale: Absolutely. Some proposed hydropower projects just should not be built because of their location. Some would have unresolvable problems; for example, they would interfere with fish runs or the cultural practices of Native American tribes. In those cases we recommend to FERC that these projects not be developed. Coutant: What’s ironic is that what seems to be a perfect site may turn out not to be right after all. One example in the Northwest is a site that has no resident fish because it is blocked by a waterfall. In terms of fish, it’s perfect for a hydropower project. Unfortunately for the developer, the site is a traditional religious area for a Native American tribe. The tribe will not give up its heritage, so the developer will probably have to abandon the project. What’s the bottom line? Coutant: In many cases, a small investment up front in research will solve many of these problems and save considerable money in the long run. Economists are needed to study some of these qu
