Consumers Energy is collecting feedback about the 13 dams they own and operate on five Michigan rivers to help guide decisions about the future of those electric generating facilities.
"We need to perform due diligence now as the licenses to operate our dams begin to expire in 12 years," said Norm Kapala, vice president of generation operations at Consumers Energy. "We do not want to assume we know how individuals and communities feel about our dams as we develop plans to either continue investing in or remove any of our river hydro facilities."
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"We are keenly aware dams have great significance for local communities and impact recreation for Michigan residents and visitors statewide," Kapala said. "Public input will be an important component in our long-term strategic planning regarding the future of our dams."
The 30 to 40 year federal licenses to operate the dams Consumers Energy owns and operates on the Muskegon, Manistee, Grand, Kalamazoo and Au Sable rivers are set to expire beginning in 2034 through 2041.
Consumers Energy has scheduled a series of meetings in August through October this year with the goal of collecting unbiased feedback regarding the facilities.
One of them is scheduled in West Michigan on Wednesday, August 31. Residents can attend the meeting at Allegan High School starting at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the future of the Calkins Bridge Dam.
For community meeting details, to provide comments, and more information about the process, click here.
Schedule of public meetings: (All meetings begin with an open house at 5:30 p.m. and the public meeting will begin at 6:00.)
Hardy Dam
- Wednesday, August 24
- Newaygo High School Cafeteria
- 360 S. Mill Street, Newaygo, MI
Calkins Bridge Dam
- Wednesday, August 31
- Allegan High School
- 1560 M-40, Allegan, MI 49010
Croton Dam
- Thursday, September 8
- Newaygo High School Cafeteria
- 360 S. Mill Street, Newaygo, MI
Webber Dam
- Thursday, September 15
- Lyons Township Hall
- 105 Prairie Street, Lyons, MI 48851
Rogers Dam
- Tuesday, September 20
- Mecosta Township Hall
- 19729 11 Mile Road, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Mio Dam
- Monday, September 26
- Mio AuSable High School Auditorium
- 1110 W. 8th Street, Mio, MI 48647
Foote Dam
- Tuesday, September 27
- Oscoda High School Auditorium
- 3550 E. River Road, Oscoda, MI 48750
Cooke Dam
- Wednesday, September 28
- Oscoda High School Auditorium
- 3550 E. River Road, Oscoda, MI 48750
Tippy Dam
- Tuesday, October 4
- Kaleva Norman Dickson School System
- 4400 N. High Bridge Rd, Brethren, MI 49619
Hodenpyl Dam
- Wednesday, October 5
- Springville Township Community Center
- 105 E. Mesick Ave, Mesick, MI 49668
Alcona Dam
- Monday, October 10
- Eagle Ridge Golf Course
- 3501 State Rd, Glennie, MI 48737
Loud Dam
- Tuesday, October 11
- Eagle Pointe Plaza, Plainfield Township Hall
- 415 E. Main Street, Hale, MI 48739
Five Channels Dam
- Wednesday, October 12
- Eagle Pointe Plaza, Plainfield Township Hall
- 415 E. Main Street, Hale, MI 48739