Tidal energy, fish habitat at odds in debate (Kennebec River, Maine)

[jpak]

http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/news/local/2959843.shtml

The powerful tides of the Kennebec River could be harnessed one day to produce electricity for hundreds of Maine homes and businesses.

<snip>

The tidal in-stream energy conversion units, which could be used in the Kennebec River, would resemble a tall fan with a giant hole in the middle of the section where the blades would be located. Portions of blades, or propellers, would extend 20 to 50 feet outward through the rim of the fan.

As the tides flow in and out of the river with each lunar cycle, the blades would rotate slowly -- in the range of three to 10 revolutions per minute, Cooper said.

<snip>

"What will happen to the migratory fish, the eels, the seals, the sturgeon and the stripers? ... These blades that they are talking about could turn them into sushi," said David Barber, a spokesman for the West Chops Point homeowners association.

<more>