McLeod Dam will provide green energy from May 8 onwards

April 22, 2009 by Louise Livingstone

Quinte Conservation will host a grand opening event for their McLeod Dam Green Energy Project on May 8. The existing dam was modified so that as well as providing ice and flood control it will now generate hydro-electricity.

"We have undergone a period of testing and everything at the dam is running smoothly," says Quinte Conservation general manager Terry Murphy. "We're very excited to have the official opening and bring this project to a successful conclusion."

The McLeod Dam Green Energy Project will provide entirely green energy which will be used locally. Green energy is a term used for energy that is generated in such a way that it is not harmful to the environment.

Murphy adds, "By harnessing this new, renewable energy we will be reducing the equivalent of 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year from our air. The project will produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 400 homes."

This project was generously supported by donations from The Parrott Foundation, Black Bear Ridge Golf Course, The EJLB Foundation and others.

Quinte Conservation is a community based environmental protection agency that serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost effective environmental expertise and leadership that develops and delivers programs to ensure the healthy coexistence between the community, the environment and its economy. For more information visit the website at Quinte Conservation.