County opposes major hydro project over water concerns

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant concerns regarding the proposed Red Lake Pumped Storage Hydro Project by Gravity Storage LLC. The project, which aims to construct two large reservoirs on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, has raised alarms among local authorities due to its potential impact on water resources and wildlife.

Director Hultry provided an overview of the project, noting that it would generate approximately 3,000 megawatts of power, surpassing the output of the Hoover Dam. However, the project relies on water from the Hualapai Basin, which is currently classified as at risk. Concerns were raised about the estimated evaporation losses from the reservoirs, with local estimates suggesting potential losses of up to 15,000 acre-feet annually—nearly double the annual water usage of Kingman, Arizona.

The commission unanimously agreed to recommend that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) deny the preliminary permit application for the project. The letter detailing these concerns will be presented to the board of supervisors on August 5, 2024. Key issues highlighted include the project's water source, its environmental footprint, and the fact that the generated energy may not benefit Mohave County residents.

In addition to the hydro project discussion, the meeting touched on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's recovery plan for an endangered plant species, although details were scarce. The commission expressed a desire to revisit this topic once more information becomes available.

Commissioners also noted upcoming public comment opportunities related to Bureau of Land Management initiatives and emphasized the need to monitor federal solar energy initiatives in Arizona and Nevada. The meeting concluded with a reminder of a listening session hosted by Congressman Gosar, aimed at discussing the new BLM recreation business plan.