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The Childs-Irving Power Plant nestles in a remote, ruggedly scenic canyon between Strawberry and Camp Verde Arizona. While diminutive by today’s standards, Arizona’s first commercial hydroelectric plant and APS’ sole hydro facility was considered an engineering and logistical marvel when its construction began in 1908. 

Fossil Creek, whose waters Arizona pioneers diverted to power the plant, is considered a natural treasure. Ultimately, modern-day Arizonans will be able to enjoy the best of both—the historic value of this monument to pioneer engineering and determination as well as the natural beauty of the restored stream-side habitat. 

Fossil Springs and the short stretch of Fossil Creek that still flows above the power plant’s dam have been a favorite wilderness destination for generations of outdoor enthusiasts. These nature lovers wanted more of this riparian Eden and began exploring the possibility of restoring the waters of Fossil Springs to the remaining 14 miles of creek bed that had not felt their flow for more than 90 years. 

In 1999, at the urging of a variety of community groups, APS decided to decommission the Childs-Irving plant and restore the waters to Fossil Creek at a cost to APS of between $8 million and $15 million. APS agreed that because of the stream’s unique qualities, decommissioning the plant and restoring this unique stream to its natural flowing state outweighed the business benefits the facility provided. 

APS plans to return Fossil Creek to its full flow by Dec. 31, 2004. Its waters once again will flow unimpeded through a largely undeveloped portion of central Arizona, re-creating an additional 14 miles of wetland ecosystem valuable for wildlife habitat and creek-side recreation. 

An integral part of the region’s heritage, the historic value of the Childs-Irving Plant will not be ignored. APS is working with local historical groups and the surrounding communities to preserve as much of the facilities as possible. 

As a corporate citizen of Arizona, APS reviewed its business goals and the value of restoring a living stream and determined that decommissioning the Childs-Irving Power Plant and restoring Fossil Creek was simply the right business decision and the right environmental decision. The people of Arizona and the Southwest are the richer for it.