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Hydroelectric Energy Interview
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On Friday, March 22, we were finally allowed to visit the Mansfield Dam and we got to ask some questions to Mr. Hamilton, one of the LCRA employees that keeps the dam working. |
Emily: How much electricity does Mansfield dam produce?
Mr. Hamilton: This hydroelectric dam produces about 102 Mega Watts.
Emily: How long does it take the water to create electricity (through the penstock, turbine, generator etc)?
Mr. Hamilton: To create electricity we need to wait 5 to 10 min. from a dead stop. In that time we will be making electricity.
Gabby: What is the worst that could happen in a hydroelectric plant?
Mr. Hamilton: It could explode or catch on fire; also it could have broken parts and leaks.
Gabby: What does Mansfield Dam do to natural habitats?
Mr. Hamilton: Well, to the environment we became friends. It doesn’t affect the water very much. We use mineral oil on the pumps so that we don’t add harmful oil to the water.
Gabby: How much does it cost to run Mansfield Dam each year?
Mr. Hamilton: To build the dam 60 years ago it cost about $30 million. Now to keep it running it’s about $15 thousand a year for parts. I don’t really know exactly how much it costs for the employees but there are about 5 or 6 of us that work here full time. That is just my estimate.
Amanda: How much does it cost to build a dam?
Mr. Hamilton: Mansfield Dam cost about $30,000,000. They started building it in 1937 and finished the dam in 1942.
Amanda: What percentage of the United States electricity is hydropower?
Mr. Hamilton: I am not really sure but I think about 20% to 25% of the electricity is hydropower.
Amanda: What is your opinion on the future of hydropower?
Mr. Hamilton: The future is not promising because you need mountains and good location to really make a large dam that will make a lot of electricity.
Ruby: What are some advantages and disadvantages of hydropower?
Mr. Hamilton: It provides clean energy since there is no fuel to burn but the biggest disadvantages of hydro is you have to have the right location and dams are expensive.
Ruby: What do you like about your job?
Mr. Hamilton: I don’t have to worry or rainout 28 years working consistent job.