Notre Dame hydro project advances

SOUTH BEND — Details are beginning to emerge concerning a proposed commercial-scale hydroelectric facility here, on the St. Joseph River dam downtown.

According to a memorandum of understanding between the city of South Bend and University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame would pay to build the facility and run transmission lines to campus.

The lines would follow the East Bank Trail from Seitz Park to the former St. Joseph High School property at Angela Boulevard and Indiana 933, then hop over to campus.

Additionally, the university would enter into a ground-lease with the city for the long-term use of the dam and Seitz Park and contribute a set amount to the upkeep of the dam “on a timetable to be determined.”

And it would agree to restore Seitz Park to its pre-existing condition after construction and reimburse the city for any loss of revenue in the event the project disrupts use of the East Race waterway.

The project is contingent upon the transfer of a federal exemption for a hydroelectric facility from the city to the university.

Granted by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the exemption dates to 1984 and could soon disappear if the city does not act on it.

In that regard, the MOU accomplishes two important goals, Public Works Director Eric Horvath said:

• It demonstrates progress on a project here for the benefit of the federal government, and;

• It provides assurances to the university concerning the city’s commitment to the proposed facility.

“So as they continue to spend money to develop it, they know they’re going to be able to get the (exemption) transferred,” Horvath said.

“It’s just another step in the process so that we can continue to work with all the various parties to try to make it a reality,” said Dennis Brown, a spokesman for the university.

Horvath said the city has not developed its own project for financial reasons related to the low cost of electricity, and to avoid having to operate a utility.

According to documents on file with the FERC, the next step is for the city and university to finalize the ground lease, then transfer the exemption.

Barring any unforeseen complications, Notre Dame would then break ground on the facility next April, with a completion date of May 2018.

The startup date for the facility would be early 2019, to avoid the recreation season on the East Race.

As proposed, the facility would produce enough energy to power about 900 homes, providing for about 7 percent of the university’s current electricity needs.

It would also help the university meet its goal of reducing carbon emissions on campus by 50 percent per square foot by 2030.

The university currently operates its own power plant on campus and also buys power from Indiana Michigan Power.

“This project is one part of our overall sustainability plan.” Brown said, adding, “Every little bit counts.”

eblasko@sbtinfo.com

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@ErinBlasko