A Phoenix-based company that was eyeing the Little Colorado River for power generation is floating a new proposal.
Pumped Hydro Storage LLC recently sought approval to study a site adjacent to the river on the Navajo Nation. Company manager Steve Irwin says the shift was in response to overwhelming criticism that building dams on the river would disrupt the habitat of the endangered humpback chub. Documents filed with the federal government estimate the project in Big Canyon will cost up to $20 million and draw upon groundwater. The company would need the approval of the Navajo Nation to move forward. The tribe didn't respond to a request for comment Tuesday.
