Catawba Relicensing

Catawba/Wateree Hydro Re-Licensing – Agreement in Principle

After 2 ½ years of negotiations with approx 160 stakeholders the Agreement in Principle had been published. It is available on the Duke Power Web Site at www.dukepower.com/community/lakes/cw. This document, which requires the approval of the stakeholders, is a non-legally binding document which will form the basis for the Final Agreement document, which is legally binding. It will be submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ( FERC) as part of Duke's re-licensing application.

The sections, which are most relevant to Carolina Canoe Club, are sections 3, 8 and 10. Section 3 lists scheduled recreational flow releases (there are non required in Duke's current license), Section 8 covers Public Information System – this will give information on schedules recreational releases, plus Duke's generation schedule which can provide additional paddling opportunities. Section 10 covers recreational facilities.

The agreement and attachment files on the Duke Power web site are large and somewhat indigestible. The process facilitators have produced the following summary documents. Click on any one to see the related document:

From a paddling perspective we are satisfied with the recreational flow schedule and additional canoe/kayak access areas we have been able to negotiate. It is planned to support this Agreement in Principle. There are other Stakeholders with different interests who are less satisfied with the Agreement and who may choose not to sign the Final Agreement. Continuous flows in the river sections for aquatic habitat is one area of disagreement.

While CCC played a significant part in these negotiations, a great deal of support was provided by American Whitewater and various local authorities. In addition to myself, Carolina Canoe Club was also officially represented by Dennis Huntley and Motty Blackburn. In addition, several Club members participated in the various meetings as representatives of other organizations.

Although the Final Agreement will be a legally binding document, it involves no financial commitment for the Club. The only requirement is a commitment to attending subsequent planning and review meetings.

If you have any questions about this Agreement please contact me.

Maurice Blackburn
mblackburn1@carolina.rr.com