Lake Upchurch Folks Want to Unplug Defunct Dam Without Touching It
Published Date: 2/26/2025
Notice
Summary
The Lake Upchurch Dam Preservation Association wants to stop using their hydroelectric project on Rockfish Creek in North Carolina since it hasn’t worked since 2016. They plan to disconnect the power equipment but won’t change the dam or pond. The government will check the environmental impact and share their findings by July 31, 2025, giving everyone a chance to weigh in before a final decision.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Generator Equipment Removed, Pond Kept
If you live near Upchurch Pond in Cumberland County, North Carolina, the project owner proposes to surrender the hydroelectric exemption and remove the electrical connections to the generators and the electrical substation to prevent future power generation. No work is proposed on the dam or spillways, and historic pond elevations will be maintained subject to inflow.
Environmental Assessment and 30-Day Comment
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission plans to prepare an Environmental Assessment for the Raeford Hydroelectric Project and to issue the EA by July 31, 2025. When issued, the EA will be open for a 30-day public comment period and the Commission will review comments before making its final decision; the Office of Public Participation can help members of the public file comments or interventions.
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