Certification Brings Alcoa Closer to License Needed for Yadkin River Dams

Alcoa has cleared a big hurdle in its quest to keep operating dams at five sites in North Carolina

NORTH CAROLINA --  Alcoa has cleared a big hurdle in its quest to keep operating dams at five sites in North Carolina.

The state’s Division of Water Resources said on Friday that the company had been issued a water quality certification, a key step in the relicensing process required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

If Alcoa's license is re-issued, it will have the ability to continue operating the dams for up to 50 years.

"We look forward to moving on and getting our FERC license for the hydroelectric projects and meeting the requirements,” said Ray Barham, a spokesman for Alcoa Power Generating, Inc.

The approval comes after about seven years of negotiations and a court battle between Alcoa and the state. It includes stipulations meant to protect the environment.

For instance, Alcoa will have to install technology to ensure the dam waters have enough dissolved oxygen, a key component for the well-being of fish and other aquatic life.

The company will also have to set aside close to $48 million to ensure there is enough money for the upgrades and monitoring the projects.

"A lot of these are concessions and things that the Yadkin Riverkeeper fought for, for a while now. So, we're pleased to see those included. But we're still in the process of reviewing the permit,” said Will Scott, the Yadkin riverkeeper.

Scott said water quality remains a top concern since the waters are heavily used for recreation by residents and visitors. The dams are located in Davie, Davidson, Rowan, Montgomery and Stanly counties.

Barham said the company is not likely to challenge any of the state’s stipulations, but that final FERC approval would likely take several months. 

Source: Time Warner Cable News

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Taxonomy

• Water Resources
• River Engineering
• Dams