Mill goes green to harness river’s renewable energy

ELIZABETH STUDEBAKER
Feature Writer

CLIFTON – What’s good for the environment is good for Clifton Mill. Using the water power that’s already there, a giant turbine is being restored to power a limited part of electricity used at the centuries-old Mill.Clifton Mill is responding to the Earth Day call for action on climate change.

Earth Day was created in 1970 to spark a revolution against environmental abuse. Anthony Satariano II, Mill owner, explains the business’ electrical needs are so huge, that use of the turbine is limited in scope. Clifton Mill is one of the few grist mills still in operation in the United States. During the Holidays, thousands of visitors enjoy the spectacle of millions of lights. The Millrace Restaurant and Gift Shop are year-around attractions. These areas that will be powered by the turbine.

The turbine housed in a huge, double-sided canister was first installed at the Mill by previous owners in the late 1960s. At the suggestion of Mike Winters, an electrician from the Clifton area, it’s being re-activated. Mike has designed and helped create and maintain some of the mechanical attractions seen in the Miniature Village during the holidays.

Anthony Satariano I desribed the turbines “like a water wheel inside a can.” Inside the giant red cylinder are huge metal water wheels at either end. The turbine is a Model D Samson that was made by the James Leffel Co. in Springfield. One side still powers the Mill and the other half will now spin the generator for the lights inside the Mill and restaurant. T

he turbine will use the same water power that has been running this Mill site since 1802, free clean green energy, that water flows 24/7.“For Clifton Mill, it’s back to the basic, old-fashioned techniques are in again,” it’s owners say.