HAWKS NEST, W.Va. -- Representatives of a silicon alloy plant say changing water releases from Hawks Nest Dam would increase production costs and hurt operations.

A hydro plant near the dam provides electricity to the West Virginia Alloys plant owned by Global Metallurgical.

Global Metallurgical corporate energy manager Russ Lang says the alloy plant needs every kilowatt generated by the hydro plant.

A coalition of outfitters and other groups says increasing releases from the dam into a low-water area would create more than 5 miles of new whitewater.

The Register-Herald says Lang and plant manager Steven Pralley voiced opposition to the proposal Wednesday night during a public meeting in Hawks Nest on the hydro plant's relicensing.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission hosted the meeting to take public comments on the relicensing.