GZA assists Crane & Co. with hydroelectric energy renewal project

GZA GeoEnvironmental Inc. recently assisted Crane & Company with a feasibility study and grant application with the Mass. Technology Collaborative Renewable Energy Trust that will allow them to  rehabilitate a small hydropower system at their manufacturing facility. Crane retained GZA to investigate the feasibility of hydroelectric power generation at two of their existing dams. GZA will now work with them to design and construct a rehabilitated small hydropower generation facility at the Byron Weston Defiance Mill and the associated Byron Weston Dam No. 2. The proposed renewable energy project involves the replacement of the existing turbines with a new turbine, the installation of new electrical generation and control equipment and modification of ancillary civil structures. Crane has been a manufacturer of fine paper since 1801 and is best-known for manufacturing stationary and currency. The project will provide electricity to the facility saving them money by reducing energy costs. GZA has assisted a number of clients in Mass. in making these projects viable through grants from the Mass. Technology Collaborate Renewable Energy Trust. "The Renewable Energy Trust is pleased to support this and other feasibility studies for companies interested in rehabilitating existing dams," said Warren Leon, director of the trust. "Hydroelectric power is an important part of the commonwealth's clean energy supply, and these rehabilitations can be a great opportunity for businesses." "Massachusetts has over 3,000 existing dams that have been idle for decades," William Beloff, president and CEO of GZA said, "The renewed concern for the environment and the cost of fossil fuels has led to a real interest in hydropower. These projects are also important to the community because they will result in the repair and ongoing maintenance of these existing dams."