How much will it reduce the flow of water over the falls?
There have been two in-depth studies of water flow. The first was by Wenck Associates was engaged by Crown Hydro. The second was by Emmons & Olivier Resources engaged by the MPRB. Both used research from the University of Minnesota St. Anthony Falls Lab, and both confirmed that the total impact of Crown Hydros water diversion will not be visually discernable. Additionally, Crown Hydro has agreed that the MPRB will have the discretion and authority to shut off diversion to maintain flow. The current demonstration intake structure diverts about 150-250 cubic feet per second of water. The Crown Hydro intake structure will be adjustable for water flow, and cannot exceed the maximum diversion of 1,000 cfs. The river flow at St. Anthony Falls is as high as 58,000 cfs during a 10-year period, with an annual average flow of 12,000 cfs. A transducer that measures the water level in the upper pool will transmit a continuous signal that will reduce the diversion as flow decreases, and shut off co
