No new options on dams

No alternative options for dams on the Clutha River - apart from the four released by Contact Energy - have emerged from the power company's public consultations this year, virtually confirming a dam at either Queensberry, Luggate, Beaumont or Tuapeka Mouth will be its choice.

The power company is revisiting old plans for hydro-electric dams at each of those four points along the Clutha River and will announce its preferred option early next year.

While it had always had an open mind about other possible sites for a dam, Contact hydro project manager Neil Gillespie yesterday said no alternatives had surfaced during public feedback.

There was the possibility more than one dam option may be favoured.

To help the public and residents who may be potentially affected, Contact was finalising video clips that will be posted online. These will show what the proposed options would look like from an aerial view and show what areas will be affected as well as the extent of possible inundation.

Mr Gillespie said staff were "dealing with the technology" and it should be ready soon.

The "flyover" views would give the best possible representation of what the dams would look like.

The new approach was exciting, simply because it was not available the last time dams in the area were mooted more than 20 years ago.

"Back then, all people had to look at were detailed plans. Now they can get a birds-eye view."

- glenn.conway@odt.co.nz