Berrien Springs Hydroelectric Plant.
I&M’s six hydroelectric facilities offer our customers clean energy produced right in their communities along the St. Joseph River. The hydroelectric plants also offer several recreational opportunities along the river like fishing and boating. Before you take advantage of all the river has to offer, there are important safety measures you need to take.
Elkhart Hydroelectric Plant.
For your safety, please follow the below guidelines:
- Do not enter danger zones or areas designated as private either upstream or downstream of the plant.
- Follow all fences, booms, buoys and barriers which are in place to protect the public.
- Stay away from the edge of the water and any hydroelectric plant as surfaces may be slippery and you could fall into the river.
- Do not swim, fish or boat near rapidly moving water or near any hydroelectric facility. You could be swiftly pushed into the danger zone.
- Do not picnic or sunbathe near a hydroelectric facility.
Water flow conditions above or below a hydroelectric facility can rapidly change. Above the facility, water can drag someone in and pull them under the water where they can’t escape. Below the facility, air stuck in the water could reduce your ability to float – even if you’re wearing a life-jacket.
I&M owns and operates six run-of-river hydroelectric generating stations along the St. Joseph River in Indiana and Michigan located in:
- Berrien Springs, MI
- Buchanan (MI)
- Constantine (MI)
- Mottville (MI)
- Elkhart (IN)
- Twin Branch (Mishawaka, IN)
I&M’s hydroelectric facilities are not designed as storage or flood-control facilities. All six are operated “run-of-river,” meaning all water goes through the generation equipment and then is passed down the river.