The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has suspended work on a proposed project by Alliance Energy to construct underwater energy turbines in the St. Lawrence River near Ogdensburg.

Eleven turbines had been proposed for the St. Lawrence River, near Ogdensburg.After failing to submit a progress report to FERC, the company was notified, and the project was subsequently suspended when Alliance Energy did not respond.

The preliminary permit was issued to explore the possibility of hydro-power using relatively new techniques of harnessing tidal flows to propel under-water turbines.

Proponents of the technology cite the clean nature of hydro-turbines and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, as well as providing a safe alternative to nuclear energy. Some concern has been expressed over the effects these turbines have on fish populations and spawning patterns.

The company's Web site only briefly mentions the project as a research collaboration, but refrains from mentioning their federal permits. These permits have been officially revoked by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission following a compliance letter dated November 9, 2009, to which the company did not reply.