Build hydroelectric plant in Reynolds County

Ameren Corp., a major utility company that serves much of eastern Missouri, could build its largest hydroelectric plant in nearby Reynolds County near Taum Sauk Mountain, the state's highest peak at 1,772 feet.

Ameren Development Co., a subsidiary of the energy company, applied in June for a permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The 770-megawatt plant atop Church Mountain would include two reservoir dams and become operational in six to eight years.

Here is how such plants work: A dam at a high elevation contains water. During times of peak electricity demand, the pressure of water falling through a tunnel is used to create electricity. The water is held at a low elevation by another dam. In the wee hours, during times of low demand for power, the water is pumped back up to the upper reservoir. The process repeats itself every day as needed.

No natural gas. No coal. Just water, a renewable resource.

Yet, the radical environmentalists are in a tizzy. As always, they claim to be concerned the plant would destroy plant life, animal habitat and scenic views.

But take a look at Ameren's other major hydroelectric facility in that region.

The company for years has operated a hydroelectric plant on nearby Proffit Mountain. The water sits in a lake at the top of the mountain. It rushes down during the day and is pumped back up at night. The plant produces 440 megawatts. And most tourists don't even know it's there.

Ameren is committed to developing the plant in an "environmentally sensitive manner," a company spokesman says.

Missouri needs more electricity. Our demands are growing. Power plants have to keep up with those demands. Ameren should be allowed, with compliance with existing regulations, to develop its plant and provide for Missouri's energy needs.