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Mission Statement
KC Hydro promotes the development, retention, and enhancement of small hydroelectric generation
as a renewable energy source where the net benefit to the environment is positive. We achieve maximum benefit by collaborating with local stakeholders
in the implementation of multipurpose projects that include recreation, water supply, fish enhancement and conservation.
Origins
Richard Ely became involved in hydropower over thirty years ago, first as a turbine manufacturer and then as an owner-operator of several facilities,
seeking a positive solution to electric energy demands. Kelly Sackheim joined forces with Richard Ely in early 2007
to achieve the above-described mission. She brings nearly 10 years as an environmental permitting and
regulatory compliance consultant, primarily to successful large hydropower projects. The original environmentally responsible development mission
has been expanded to include fish resource management technologies such as fish passage across dams, predation reduction, fish herding,
fish friendly turbines and recently an interest in fish genetics,
a necessary area of understanding for fish population restoration.
The Kilarc Brochure prepared for distribution
in mid-2009 provides a brief overview of the application of the KC Hydro approach to our first project that has warranted public attention.
The KC LLC, a California-registered limited liability company, was formed in mid-2007 to hold Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) preliminary permits for
priority of development of new sites. Based on an application filed in December 2007, KC LLC was granted a preliminary permit in July 2008
to develop the Conway Ranch hydropower project on an irrigation diversion from Virginia Creek to a property in the Mono Lake
watershed belonging to Mono County and leased presently for sheep grazing.
Also commencing in December 2007, KC LLC has filed a series of applications for development of hydropower
at the Pine Creek Mine Sites in
Inyo County, California. The original P-13090 application for development of a previously-licensed site downstream of the mine is still pending before
the FERC. FERC has been cautious, we believe, about making its determination with regard to competing applications for development at this site because of
frivolous litigation by the mine owner against KC LLC that has just recently been withdrawn.
We are awaiting FERC approval to proceed with this development.
In 2009, the KC Brighton LLC, a Maryland limited liability company was formed and acquired
The Brighton Dam Project. Rehabilitation of this project continues as of today.
Also in 2009, the KC Hydro LLC limited liability company established in Oregon has begun work to develop fish passage and hydropower on the Deschutes River at
the North Canal Diversion Dam in Bend and Cline Falls in Redmond. We are currently (spring 2010) thinking of
applying fish friendly turbines and related technology to these sites to increase river connectivity.
This page will be updated from time to time to report changes or additions to the various projects in which we are involved.
Links to new projects will be added on the left side-bar as more details become available.
We'd appreciate your sending your thoughts and feedback to webmaster@kchydro.com
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