Massachusetts Company to Possibly Install Turbines in Morgantown

WBOY
20 November 2013

By Andrew Clay, Monongalia and Preston County Reporter

A Massachusetts company wants to harness the Mon River to generate power.

Upper Mon River Association members said Free Flow Power wants to install turbines at the Morgantown and Opekiska locks.

Officials started exploring the project nearly a year ago.

They estimate the turbines could produce 13 mega-watts but there are many issues the city and county leaders have to consider first.

"The city probably needs to look at a similar facility built elsewhere, to look at noise levels, the profile of it and other implications," said Barry Pallay, of the Upper Mon River Association.

UMRA said other companies have tried bringing hydro-power to the river in the past.