Trent is considering diverting part of the Otonabee River north of the university to generate and profit from the sale of surplus hydroelectricity.

      It's just one of many revenue-generating ideas the university is considering.

      Over the past 12 years, it has explored but never pursued various power-generating options. Interest has ebbed and flowed with the fortunes -- or misfortunes -- of Ontario Hydro, its capacity to produce power, the price of electricity and the debate over competition in the Ontario electricity market. Through all of this, Trent has completed engineering studies, prepared a preliminary design of the project, estimated its cost and the revenue it might generate, and received expressions of interest from potential partners in the private sector. In 1993, the Trent-Severn Waterway awarded the university the rights to develop the hydrogeneration potential of the river between locks 23 and 22.

      Now, it is poised for the next step -- an environmental assessment. Following a Feb. 11 meeting to discuss the process, Stephen Bocking, chair of the president's environmental advisory committee (PEAC), is assisting John Earnshaw to assemble an accountability committee that will ensure that the environmental assessment meets the concerns of the Trent community. Earnshaw, acting vice-president administration, will appoint four to six people to this body.

      The scheme is to divert water east of Lock 23 along a bypass canal that follows the abandoned rail line past Promise Rock, through a new powerhouse and out at a point in the river just north of the Environmental Sciences Centre where the power lines cross the river. The canal would flow through wooded nature areas, wetlands and meadows.

      Physical Resources director Steve Dantzer figures the $14-million (by 1992 estimates) project could produce a significant 6.5 megawatts at peak periods of river flow.

      Bocking and Dantzer agree that Trent must conduct a thorough -- even model -- environmental assessment. It must conform to governmental regulations, consider the impact on the surrounding community and, above all, make sure the Trent community itself is comfortable that this project is environmentally responsible, said Dantzer at the Feb. 11 meeting.

      Of the environmental impact, Dantzer said, "To my knowledge there are no insurmountable concerns, but it is too early at this stage to say."