By David Beard, The Dominion Post
MORGANTOWN – A local group called Save Cheat Lake has filed a 39-page complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, alleging Lake Lynn Generation has been “grossly and willfully negligent in violation of federal law,” and has introduced “ a potentially deadly health risk” at the park.
The group is asking FERC to investigate and impose the maximum total fine of $257,562 per day for the alleged violations.
Lake Lynn Generation is a subsidiary of Eagle Creek Renewable Energy, which is a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, which is publicly owned. Throughout its complaint, Save Cheat Lake references the hydroelectric operation’s foreign ownership, often in dramatic terms.
“Therefore—even though Canada owns our waters, dam and trail/park—we are entitled to recreation on our lands and our waters, under U.S. federal law,” the group says. “Representatives of this $62 billion Canadian company act with superiority. But the people, united together, hold the real power.”