To the editor:

A thoughtful letter to the editor last week described how dredging the Sakonnet River for an onshore cable connection has the potential of doing serious environmental harm to our fisheries.

The proponents claimed that there was no other option in delivering the power to the grid at Brayton Point. These issues were covered in presentations by the power company representatives and opposing environmental groups that were held in the East Bay last year. Before more action was taken the power company went through changes, as more financial problems arose that caused them to back out. Now the project has been resurrected. The meetings pointed out that all the power was going to Massachusetts while reserving all the problems for Rhode Island. The state was to receive no benefit. The circuitous Sakonnet route was chosen simply because the direct way from the turbine field across coastal Massachusetts to Brayton Point was blocked by the local towns. They had reviewed the potential impact and wanted no part of it. Rhode Island was considered a much softer target.

In addition, earthquakes and submerged rock would need to be considered. At the last meeting I brought up results of studies I had made on faults in the Sakonnet by the RI University School of Oceanography and my earthquake research. There are active faults in the region that produce earthquakes, including ones beneath the Sakonnet River. We are not California, but Narragansett Bay is geologically young and growing, so earthquakes happen. The majority are quite small, but can still cause damage because they are so shallow.

Wind turbines have their place if properly sited, but they also cause the death of many thousands of birds, interfere with fishing, pose navigational hazards and have the potential to stir up toxic bottom sediments, if allowed. They also are promoted by fragile businesses that may not be around to help correct any problems that arise.

Dredging in the Sakonnet should be prevented and the attendant difficulties in bringing ashore the power cables returned to Massachusetts where they belong. Rhode Island bears no responsibility.

Patrick Barosh, PhD
Bristol