The Little Colorado needs your help! Two hydroelectric proposals comprising 4 dams and 2 reservoirs in the canyon and another 2 reservoirs on the canyon rim, threaten its ecological integrity, cultural significance, and recreational value.

https://www.grandcanyontrust.org/little-colorado-river-dam-proposals

In this initial period you have until November 16th, 2019 to send a comment to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is responsible for permitting the project

Below is a brief text you may use, but it’s always best if you personalize your comments. If you’re a GC boater, say so. If you’re a guide whose livelihood would be impacted, say so. If you’re a religious person who has empathy for the extreme importance of the Sipapu, say so.

Dear FERC:
As a whitewater boater, environmentalist, and advocate for indigenous rights, I have grave concerns about the proposed Little Colorado River pumped hydroelectric project. This project would cause irreversible damage to the Little Colorado River and its canyon including its ecology, its value as a recreation destination, and the Native American sacred sites that are found within the canyon’s walls. The river, the canyon, and their confluence with the Colorado hold immense cultural significance not only to Native American tribes but also to the thousands of whitewater recreationists who descend the Grand Canyon every year. Furthermore, a review of the proposed project has indicated major design flaws that reduce the feasibility and lifespan of the project. The limited value of this flawed project is absolutely not worth the immense damage that it would cause. I urge FERC to deny this permit and to put an end to this boondoggle of a project. Thank you.


Other points that you may make include: (Thanks to Tom Martin of the River Runners for Wilderness for help with this language.)

1. The proposed project will profoundly desecrate sacred sites of many Indian tribes. The project must receive approval from all impacted Indian tribes. The Hopi have already indicated that they are opposed to the project.
2. The proposed project has not been approved by the Navajo Nation, either at the Chapter or Council level.
3. The proposed project lies within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation Little Colorado River Tribal Park, an area set aside for its scenic and wilderness values.
4. The project must demonstrate how it will avoid impacts to Grand Canyon National Park, just downstream of the proposed project.
5. Studies to demonstrate the project’s feasibility must include long-term adaptation to climate.
6. The Little Colorado River watershed has a high load of entrained sediment which will eventually interfere with the project’s value.
7. The proposed project has a life span and the public must understand the details of its eventual decommissioning. This plan must include a work plan and a financial plan.
8. The mineral content of Blue Springs will have detrimental impact to pumps/turbines and other operational gate structures. Studies must be presented to show how the equipment used will handle the high concentrations of minerals.
9. The area in question is highly fractured by cross canyon faulting. Studies must be undertaken to show how the proposed dams will be able to retain water.
10. The proposal states that potable water will be provided to rural communities. Studies must demonstrate how potable water will be created from the non-potable Little Colorado River water supply.
11. A population of Gila cypha survives and thrives in the highly mineralized waters of Blue Spring. Studies must show how this population of fish will not be adversely impacted by the construction of this project.

You can find more information here:
Two Permits: https://rrfw.org/node/887
Grand Canyon Trust: https://www.grandcanyontrust.org/little-colorado-river-dam-proposals
Hopi Nation stance: https://www.knau.org/post/hopi-tribe-strongly-opposed-little-colorado-river-dam-proposal
Navajo Nation stance: https://www.knau.org/post/navajo-nation-hasn-t-pursued-little-colorado-river-dam-proposals
Fed Register 1: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/23/2019-20503/pumped-hydro-storage-llc-notice-of-preliminary-permit-application-accepted-for-filing-and-soliciting
Fed Register 2: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/09/23/2019-20502/pumped-hydro-storage-llc-notice-of-preliminary-permit-application-accepted-for-filing-and-soliciting