Regulators reject plans for Cuffs Run hydroelectric project in southern York County

Mike Argento, York Daily Record
Updated ·2 min read

On Wednesday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected plans for construction of a massive hydroelectric energy storage project proposed at Cuffs Run in the lower Susquehanna River. 

“For now,” said Ted Evgeniadis, the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, who is among those opposing the project, “it’s good news. But I have a feeling it may resurface.”

That hunch may be correct. The group developing the project, York Energy Storage, expects to continue pursuit of the $2.1 billion project. “We’re not discouraged,” said William McMahon, one of the partners in the Reading-based company. “We’re not happy, obviously. We’ll be getting back in the ballgame.”

A map shows the blue outline of the reservoir that would flood land for the proposed pumped storage facility at Cuffs Run. On Wednesday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected York Energy Storage's proposal for the project.
A map shows the blue outline of the reservoir that would flood land for the proposed pumped storage facility at Cuffs Run. On Wednesday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected York Energy Storage's proposal for the project.

The company has some options, which have to be clarified by FERC, but it could resubmit its plans to address issues raised by the regulatory agency, McMahon said. “If we have to resubmit, it’s what we’ll do,” he said.

What is the project?

Water Spills down the rocks on Cuffs Run on it's way to the Susquehanna River
Water Spills down the rocks on Cuffs Run on it's way to the Susquehanna River

The project calls for construction of a dam in Lake Clarke, just a couple of miles north of the Safe Harbor Dam, and a 600-acre reservoir atop a bluff on the west bank of the river. The reservoir would store hydroelectric energy, acting as a kind of large battery to supply power when it’s needed.

Previously: New version of controversial Cuffs Run pumped storage plant proposed along Susquehanna

Construction of the project, opponents said, would decimate one of the last remaining undeveloped sections of the river in those parts and would displace 39 families and destroy some of York County’s most prime farmland.

In rejecting York Energy Storage’s proposal, FERC ruled that maps submitted by the company did not accurately depict the project’s boundaries.

Looking directly at the cut where Cuffs Run flows into the Susquehanna River from Chanceford Township recently.
Looking directly at the cut where Cuffs Run flows into the Susquehanna River from Chanceford Township recently.

What comes next?

“That particular issue, we thought we had addressed and resolved,” McMahon said. He said the project “will do a tremendous amount of good” and will be “an economic engine for York County.”

The opposition: 'The last bit of nature left on the river': Groups urge FERC to reject Cuffs Run project

He said, “We think we’re on the right track. We basically want to play the ballgame and do everything right.”

For now, there is some uncertainty. McMahon said the company has been talking to regulators about its options.

Evgeniadis said, “There are a lot of different questions that there are no answers for yet.”

Columnist/reporter Mike Argento has been a York Daily Record staffer since 1982. Reach him at mike@ydr.com.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Plans for Cuffs Run hydroelectric project rejected