ASPEN — The city of Aspen says building a hydroelectric plant would reduce the community’s greenhouse-gas emissions.
Environmentalists say it could also drain area creeks.
Some residents want the proposed project to go through a full environmental review. The city has applied for an exemption from a full federal analysis.
City officials are taking public comments on the proposal and say a more comprehensive review is possible if there is enough concern or there are issues they haven’t considered.
Aspen wants to build a 1,880- square-foot hydropower plant that would draw water from Castle and Maroon creeks to generate electricity.
The 1.05-megawatt plant is expected to increase production of electricity by 5.5 million kilowatt hours annually. That would provide energy for several hundred households.
Some residents, however, are concerned about the potential effects on wildlife and water rights if too much water is diverted from the creeks.
Paul Noto, an Aspen-based water attorney, who represents several residents who live along Castle Creek, said if Aspen touts itself as an environmental leader, it ought to submit the project to a full environmental review.
