- Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project
The Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project is a
pumped-storage hydroelectricity plant in theCatskill Mountains ofNew York State . The plant is part of theNew York Power Authority , and can generate over 1,000,000 kilowatts of electricity, all of which is sent toNew York City in the case of a power crisis in the city. It is to be used only for emergency situations; i.e., in case anotherpowerplant shuts down, or in case the other powerplants can't provide enough electricity. There are two reservoirs that are involved in the project, both with a capacity of 5 billiongallon s (over 71.6 million m³); one at the foot of Brown Mountain in the Schoharie Valley, and another one at the top of the mountain.The reservoir at the foot of the mountain was created by impounding the
Schoharie Creek downstream from the village ofGilboa, New York . Water from this reservoir is sent through anaqueduct up the mountain to the upper reservoir to be stored until it is needed. When power is needed, the water is sent back down the mountain into the lower reservoir, where it enters apowerplant on the banks of the lower reservoir, and spins a series of turbines in the powerhouse. (This structure is almost completely underwater, and only five feet of it can be seen above water when the reservoir is full). The water is sent back into the reservoir, flows over thedam that holds the reservoir back, and continues down the rest of the Schoharie Creek.Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center
The Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center is housed in a restored 18th century dairy barn, and features exhibits and interactive displays that demonstrate the science of energy and electricity, and how power is made and used. Admission to the center is free.
The historic
Lansing Manor House is a historic house museum adjacent to the Visitors Center.The Visitors Center. Lansing Manor House and the Power Project are located near
Mine Kill State Park .ee also
*
List of reservoirs and dams in New York External links
* [http://www.nypa.gov/facilities/blengil.htm NYPA Facilities: Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project]
* [http://www.nypa.gov/vc/blengil.htm Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center]
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