TABLE OF CONTENTS 

LIST OF FIGURES ..................................................................................................................... xiv 

LIST OF TABLES....................................................................................................................... xvi 

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................. xxiv 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................... xxvii 

1.0 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION......................................................................... 1

1.1 PURPOSE OF ACTION..................................................................................................1

1.2 NEED FOR POWER .......................................................................................................3

1.3 STATUTORY AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ............................................3

1.3.1 Federal Power Act....................................................................................................5

1.3.1.1 Section 10 (a) Comprehensive Development Standard .....................................5

1.3.1.2 Section 18 Fishway Prescriptions ......................................................................5

1.3.1.3 Section 10(j) Recommendations........................................................................5

1.3.2 Clean Water Act.......................................................................................................6

1.3.3 Endangered Species Act ..........................................................................................6

1.3.4 Coastal Zone Management Act................................................................................6

1.3.5 National Historic Preservation Act ..........................................................................7

1.4 SCOPING ........................................................................................................................7

1.5 INTERVENTIONS..........................................................................................................8

1.6 CONSULTATION AND COMPLIANCE......................................................................9

1.6.1 Ready for Environmental Analysis Notice ..............................................................9

1.6.2 Comprehensive Relicensing Agreements ..............................................................10

2.0 PROPOSED ACTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES ....................................................... 15

2.1 NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE.....................................................................................15

2.1.1 Existing Project Facilities ......................................................................................15

2.1.1.1 Bridgewater Development ...............................................................................15

2.1.1.2 Rhodhiss Development ....................................................................................16

2.1.1.3 Oxford Development .......................................................................................16

2.1.1.4 Lookout Shoals Development..........................................................................17

2.1.1.5 Cowans Ford Development..............................................................................17

2.1.1.6 Mountain Island Development.........................................................................17

2.1.1.7 Wylie Development .........................................................................................18
2.1.1.8 Fishing Creek Development ............................................................................18

2.1.1.9 Great Falls and Dearborn Developments.........................................................18

2.1.1.10 Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments.................................................20

2.1.1.11 Wateree Development......................................................................................20

2.1.2 Existing Project Operations ...................................................................................20

2.1.2.1 Bridgewater Development ...............................................................................21

2.1.2.2 Rhodhiss Development ....................................................................................21

2.1.2.3 Oxford Development .......................................................................................22

2.1.2.4 Lookout Shoals Development..........................................................................22

2.1.2.5 Cowans Ford Development..............................................................................22

2.1.2.6 Mountain Island Development.........................................................................23

2.1.2.7 Wylie Development .........................................................................................23

2.1.2.8 Fishing Creek Development ............................................................................24

2.1.2.9 Great Falls and Dearborn Developments.........................................................24

2.1.2.10 Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments.................................................25

2.1.2.11 Wateree Development......................................................................................25

2.1.3 Project Safety.........................................................................................................26

2.1.4 Existing Project Boundaries...................................................................................26

2.2 APPLICANT’S PROPOSALS (SETTLEMENTS).......................................................26

2.2.1 Proposed Project Facilities.....................................................................................26

2.2.2 Proposed Operations ..............................................................................................26

2.2.2.1 Required Minimum Flows ...............................................................................26

2.2.3 Proposed Environmental Measures........................................................................31

2.2.3.1 Proposed License Articles................................................................................31

2.2.3.2 Not Proposed License Articles.........................................................................40

2.2.4 Proposed Project Boundaries .................................................................................53

2.3 MODIFICATIONS TO THE APPLICANT’S PROPOSAL.........................................53

2.3.1 Mandatory Conditions ...........................................................................................53

2.3.1.1 Water Quality Certification..............................................................................53

2.3.1.2 Section 18 Agency Fishway Prescriptions.......................................................54

2.3.1.3 Section 18 Applicant’s Alternative Fishways Prescriptions............................54

2.3.1.4 Endangered Species Act ..................................................................................54

2.3.2 Other Recommendations by Agencies and Interested Parties ...............................55
2.3.2.1 Section 10(j) Recommendations......................................................................55

2.3.3 Staff’s Modification to the Proposed Actions........................................................55

2.4 OTHER ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM DETAILED 

STUDY ..........................................................................................................................57

2.4.1 Federal Government Takeover ..............................................................................57

2.4.2 Non-power License................................................................................................57

2.4.3 Project Retirement .................................................................................................57

3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS .................................................................................. 59

3.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CATAWBA-WATEREE RIVER BASIN .......59

3.2 CUMULATIVELY AFFECTED RESOURCES ..........................................................60

3.2.1 Geographic Scope ..................................................................................................61

3.2.2 Temporal Scope .....................................................................................................61

3.3 PROPOSED ACTION AND ACTION ALTERNATIVES ..........................................61

3.3.1 Geology and Soils..................................................................................................61

3.3.1.1 Affected Environment......................................................................................61

3.3.1.2 Environmental Effects .....................................................................................63

3.3.1.3 Cumulative Effects...........................................................................................65

3.3.1.4 Unavoidable Adverse Effects ..........................................................................65

3.3.2 Water Resources ....................................................................................................66

3.3.2.1 Affected Environment......................................................................................66

3.3.2.1.1 Water Quantity.................................................................................................66

3.3.2.1.2 Water Use.........................................................................................................92

3.3.2.1.3 Water Quality...................................................................................................96

3.3.2.2 Environmental Effects ...................................................................................104

3.3.2.2.1 Water Quantity...............................................................................................104

3.3.2.2.2 Water Use.......................................................................................................117

3.3.2.2.3 Water Quality.................................................................................................123

3.3.2.3 Cumulative Effects.........................................................................................128

3.3.2.4 Unavoidable Adverse Effects ........................................................................130

3.3.3 Aquatic Resources ...............................................................................................130

3.3.3.1 Affected Environment....................................................................................130

3.3.3.2 Environmental Effects ...................................................................................149

3.3.3.3 Cumulative Effects.........................................................................................169
3.3.3.4 Unavoidable Adverse Effects ........................................................................171

3.3.4 Terrestrial Resources ...........................................................................................172

3.3.4.1 Affected Environment....................................................................................172

3.3.4.2 Environmental Effects ...................................................................................187

3.3.4.3 Unavoidable Adverse Effects ........................................................................201

3.3.5 Threatened and Endangered Species ...................................................................201

3.3.5.1 Affected Environment....................................................................................201

3.3.5.2 Environmental Effects ...................................................................................206

3.3.5.3 Unavoidable Adverse Effects ........................................................................213

3.3.6 Cultural Resources...............................................................................................214

3.3.6.1 Affected Environment....................................................................................214

3.3.6.2 Environmental Effects ...................................................................................219

3.3.6.3 Unavoidable Adverse Effects ........................................................................222

3.3.7 Recreational Resources........................................................................................222

3.3.7.1 Affected Environment....................................................................................222

3.3.7.2 Environmental Effects ...................................................................................271

3.3.7.3 Cumulative Effects.........................................................................................316

3.3.7.4 Unavoidable Adverse Effects ........................................................................317

3.3.8 Land Use and Aesthetics......................................................................................317

3.3.8.1 Affected Environment....................................................................................317

3.3.8.2 Environmental Effects ...................................................................................335

3.3.8.3 Cumulative Effects.........................................................................................357

3.3.8.4 Unavoidable Adverse Effects ........................................................................358

3.3.9 Socioeconomic Resources ...................................................................................358

3.3.9.1 Affected Environment....................................................................................358

3.3.9.2 Environmental Effects ...................................................................................365

3.4 NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE...................................................................................368

3.5 IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES ....368

3.6 RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SHORT-TERM USES AND LONG-TERM USES ..369

4. DEVELOPMENTAL ANALYSIS............................................................................. 371

4.1 Power and Economic Benefits of the Bridgewater Development ...............................371

4.1.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................373

4.1.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................373
4.1.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................373

4.1.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................374

4.1.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................374

4.2 Power and Economic Benefits of the RHODHISS DEVELOPMENT .......................378

4.2.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................379

4.2.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................379

4.2.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................380

4.2.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................380

4.2.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................380

4.3 Power and Economic Benefits of the OXFORD DEVELOPMENT...........................384

4.3.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................385

4.3.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................385

4.3.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................386

4.3.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................386

4.3.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................386

4.4 Power and Economic Benefits of the LOOKOUT SHOALS DEVELOPMENT .......390

4.4.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................391

4.4.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................392

4.4.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................392

4.4.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................392

4.4.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................392

4.5 Power and Economic Benefits of the COWANS FORD DEVELOPMENT ..............396

4.5.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................397

4.5.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................397

4.5.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................398

4.5.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................398

4.5.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................398

4.6 Power and Economic Benefits of the MOUNTAIN ISLAND DEVELOPMENT......402

4.6.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................403

4.6.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................403

4.6.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................404

4.6.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................404

4.6.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................404
4.7 Power and Economic Benefits of the WYLIE DEVELOPMENT ..............................407

4.7.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................408

4.7.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................408

4.7.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................409

4.7.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................409

4.7.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................409

4.8 Power and Economic Benefits of the FISHING CREEK DEVELOPMENT .............413

4.8.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................414

4.8.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................414

4.8.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................415

4.8.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................415

4.8.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................415

4.9 Power and Economic Benefits of the GREAT FALLS and DEARBORN 

DEVELOPMENTS......................................................................................................419

4.9.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................420

4.9.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................421

4.9.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................421

4.9.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................421

4.9.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................421

4.10 Power and Economic Benefits of the ROCKY CREEK and CEDAR CREEK 

DEVELOPMENTS......................................................................................................425

4.10.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................426

4.10.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................426

4.10.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................427

4.10.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................427

4.10.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................427

4.11 Power and Economic Benefits of the WATEREE DEVELOPMENT ........................430

4.11.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................431

4.11.1.1 No-Action Alternative ...................................................................................431

4.11.1.2 Applicant’s Proposal......................................................................................432

4.11.1.3 Staff Alternative.............................................................................................432

4.11.2 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................432

4.12 Power and Economic Benefits of the Catawba-Wateree Project.................................436
4.12.1 Comparison of Alternatives .................................................................................437

4.12.1 No-Action Alternative .........................................................................................437

4.12.2 Applicant’s Proposal............................................................................................438

4.12.3 Staff Alternative...................................................................................................438

4.12.4 Cost of Environmental Measures.........................................................................438

5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................... 443

5.1 COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AND RECOMMENDED ALTERNATIVE443

5.2 CONSISTENCY WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FISH AND 

WILDLIFE AGENCIES..............................................................................................473

5.3 CONSISTENCY WITH COMPREHENSIVE PLANS ..............................................479

6.0 LITERATURE CITED ............................................................................................... 481

7.0 LIST OF PREPARERS............................................................................................... 489

APPENDIX A............................................................................................................................ .A-1 

APPENDIX B ..............................................................................................................................B-1 

APPENDIX C ..............................................................................................................................C-1 
LIST OF FIGURES 

Figure 1. General vicinity of the Catawba-Wateree Project. ................................................. 2

Figure 2. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) facilities flow diagram. ................................ 67

Figure 3. Flow duration curves for project developments (Source: Duke Energy, 2007). . 69

Figure 4. Lake James existing guide curves (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)........................ 72

Figure 5. Lake Norman existing guide curves (Source: Duke Energy, 2007). .................. 72

Figure 6. Lake Wateree existing guide curves (Source: Duke Energy, 2007). ................... 73

Figure 7. Lake James water surface elevations for representative dry (1986), normal (1993), 

and wet (1983) years (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)............................................ 76

Figure 8. Lake Rhodhiss water surface elevations for representative dry (1986), normal 

(1993), and wet (1983) years (Source: Duke Energy, 2007). .............................. 80

Figure 9. Lake Hickory water surface elevations for representative dry (1986), normal 

(1993), and wet (1983) years (Source: Duke Energy, 2007). .............................. 80

Figure 10. Lake Norman water surface elevations for representative dry (1986), normal 

(1993), and wet (1983) years (Source: Duke Energy, 2007). .............................. 79

Figure 11. Lake Wylie water surface elevations for representative dry (1986), normal (1993), 

and wet (1983) years (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)............................................ 80

Figure 12. Lake Wateree water surface elevations for representative dry (1986), normal 

(1993), and wet (1983) years (Source: Duke Energy, 2007). .............................. 82

Figure 13. Number of days that the water surface elevation in Lake Wateree was above 228.5 

ft (3 ft above full pond) (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)........................................ 83

Figure 14. Water surface elevation at Wateree dam with varying discharge conditions 

(March 2003 storm) (100 ft is full pond at elevation of 225.5 ft) (Source: Duke 

Energy, 2007)...................................................................................................... 111

Figure 15. Water withdrawals and returns in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin (Source: 

Duke Energy, 2007)............................................................................................ 118

Figure 16. Current net water use in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin (in mgd) and percent 

of total (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)................................................................ 119

Figure 17. Projected net water use in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin in 2058 (in mgd) and 

percent of total (Source: Duke Energy, 2007). .................................................. 119

Figure 18. Current versus projected 2058 net water use (net outflow) (Source: Duke Energy, 

2007). .................................................................................................................. 122

Figure 19. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Bridgewater Development recreational 

facilities (Source: Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................. 227

Figure 20. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Bridgewater regulated river reach recreational 

facilities (Source: Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................. 228
Figure 21. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Rhodhiss Development recreational facilities 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2007). ........................................................................... 230

Figure 22. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Oxford Development recreational facilities 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2007) ............................................................................ 233

Figure 23. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Lookout Shoals Development recreational 

facilities (Source: Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................. 235

Figure 24. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Cowans Ford Development recreational 

facilities (Source: Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................. 238

Figure 25. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Mountain Island Development recreational 

facilities (Source: Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................. 240

Figure 26. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Wylie Development recreational facilities 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2007). ........................................................................... 244

Figure 27. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Wylie regulated river reach recreational 

facilities (Source: Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................. 245

Figure 28. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Fishing Creek Development recreational 

facilities (Source: Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................. 247

Figure 29. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments 

recreational facilities (Source: Duke Energy, 2007).......................................... 249

Figure 30. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Wateree Development recreational facilities 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2007). ........................................................................... 252

Figure 31. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) Wateree regulated river reach recreational 

facilities (Source: Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................. 253
LIST OF TABLES 

Table 1. Major statutory and regulatory requirements.......................................................... 4

Table 2. Minimum continuous flows when operating under the Low Inflow Protocol or 

Hydro Project Maintenance and Emergency Protocol.......................................... 27

Table 3. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) proposed recreational flows and schedule. 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2006a)............................................................................. 28

Table 4. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) proposed license articles. (Source: Duke 

Energy, 2006a)...................................................................................................... 32

Table 5. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) not proposed license articles. (Source: Duke 

Energy, 2006a)...................................................................................................... 42

Table 6. Reservoir characteristics for the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232). (Source: 

Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................................................. 70

Table 7. Target reservoir water surface elevations (ft msl) for Catawba-Wateree Project. 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2007) .............................................................................. 71

Table 8. Existing License discharge requirements for Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232). 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2007) .............................................................................. 74

Table 9. Rates of inflow (cfs) to Lake James that are equaled or exceeded given 

percentages of time.1

 (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)........................................... 76

Table 10. Rates of inflow (cfs) to Lake Wylie that are equaled or exceeded given 

percentages of time .1 (Source: Duke Energy, 2007).......................................... 79

Table 11. Rates of inflow (cfs) to Lake Wateree that are equaled or exceeded given 

percentages of time.1 (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)........................................... 82

Table 12. Critical intake elevation and water user type for each project reservoir. (Source: 

Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................................................. 85

Table 13. Baseline safe yield value range obtained from critical intake constraints lowinflow period 1998-2003 simulations based on existing license conditions. 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2007). ............................................................................. 87

Table 14. Safe yield value range obtained from critical intake level constraints low-inflow 

period 1949-1959 simulations based on existing license conditions. (Source: 

Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................................................. 88

Table 15. Critical constraint elevation summaries. (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)............. 90

Table 16. Safe yield value range obtained from critical intake level constraint low-inflow 

periods 1998-2003 and 1949-1959 simulations based on proposed license 

conditions (mutual gains). (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)................................... 91

Table 17. Safe yield value range obtained from critical boat access constraints, low-inflow 

periods 1998-2003 and 1949-1959 simulations based on proposed license 

conditions (mutual gains). (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)................................... 92

Table 18. Summary of major water withdrawals 1 from the Catawba-Wateree Project 

(P-2232). (Source: Duke Energy, 2007) ............................................................. 93
Table 19. Current and projected net water withdrawals from project reservoirs. (Source: 

Duke Energy, 2007).............................................................................................. 95

Table 20. Critical lake level elevations.1 (Source: Duke Energy, 2007) ............................. 96

Table 21. Selected water quality criteria. (Sources: N.A.C. subchapter 2B, 2008; South 

Carolina Regulation 61-68, 2008)......................................................................... 98

Table 22. Existing1 and proposed draw-downs, maximum reservoir fluctuation, and usable 

storage (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)................................................................ 107

Table 23. Projected annual average withdrawal, return, and net water use by watershed (in 

mgd). (Source: Duke Energy, 2007)................................................................. 120

Table 24. Dimensional characteristics of Catawba-Wateree Project impoundments. (Source: 

Duke Energy, 2007)............................................................................................ 131

Table 25. Summary of aquatic habitat available between normal maximum and normal 

minimum water surface elevation in Catawba-Wateree Project impoundments. 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2005b) .......................................................................... 133

Table 26. Summary of flows and length of riverine reaches associated with each 

development in the Catawba-Wateree Project. (Source: Duke Energy, 2007). 134

Table 27. Description of primary substrate and aquatic habitat of riverine and bypassed 

reaches in the Catawba-Wateree Project from the instream flow study. (Source: 

DTA, 2005a) ....................................................................................................... 135

Table 28. Sixteen freshwater mussel species collected in the vicinity of 11 relicensing 

developments on the Catawba-Wateree River basins. Mussels listed were 

collected live during the 2004 surveys. (AES, 2005) ........................................ 138

Table 29. Summary of proposed minimum continuous flow (cfs) alternatives to support 

anadromous fish spawning and maturation in the Wylie regulated river reach.. 151

Table 30. Summary of proposed minimum continuous flow (cfs) alternatives to support 

anadromous fish spawning and maturation in the Wateree regulated river reach.

............................................................................................................................. 152

Table 31. Summary of WUA analysis for American shad spawning based on Revised CRA 

and alternative flow scenarios recommended by AR/CCL and CR for the Wylie 

regulated river reach. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a)....................................... 154

Table 32. Summary of WUA analysis for American shad spawning based on Revised CRA 

and alternative flow scenarios recommended by FWS, NOAA Fisheries, and 

AR/CCL for the Wateree regulated river reach. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a)

............................................................................................................................. 155

Table 33. Summary of proposed minimum continuous flow (cfs) alternatives to support 

anadromous fish spawning and maturation in the Great Falls Long bypassed 

reach.................................................................................................................... 158

Table 34. Summary of WUA analysis for American shad spawning based on Revised CRA 

and alternative flow scenarios recommended by AR/CCL and CR for the Great 

Falls Long bypassed reach.................................................................................. 160
Table 35. Schedule for implementation of FWS fish passage prescriptions. ..................... 167

Table 36. Wetland types and acreages associated with Catawba-Wateree Project reservoirs 

and tailraces. (Source: Duke Energy, 2007) ..................................................... 175

Table 37. RTE plant species documented in the Catawba-Wateree Project area. (Source: 

Gaddy, 2005)....................................................................................................... 179

Table 38. RTE terrestrial wildlife species identified in the Catawba-Wateree Project area.

............................................................................................................................. 183

Table 39. Summary of weighted useable area analysis for sturgeon spawning based on 

Revised CRA and alternative flow scenarios recommended by FWS, NOAA 

Fisheries, and American Rivers/ Coastal Conservation League for the Wateree 

regulated river reach. .......................................................................................... 211

Table 40. Recreational facilities at the Bridgewater Development of the Catawba-Wateree 

Project (P-2232). (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)..... 225

Table 41. Recreational facilities at the Rhodhiss Development of the Catawba-Wateree 

Project (P-2232). (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)..... 229

Table 42. Recreational facilities at the Oxford Development of the Catawba-Wateree 

Project (P-2232). (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)..... 231

Table 43. Recreational facilities at the Lookout Shoals Development of the CatawbaWateree Project (P-2232). (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 234

Table 44. Recreational facilities at the Cowans Ford Development of the Catawba-Wateree 

Project (P-2232). (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)..... 236

Table 45. Recreational facilities at the Mountain Island Development of the CatawbaWateree Project (P-2232). (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 239

Table 46. Recreational facilities at the Wylie Development of the Catawba-Wateree Project 

(P-2232). (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)................. 241

Table 47. Recreational facilities at the Fishing Creek Development of the Catawba-Wateree 

Project (P-2232). (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)..... 246

Table 48. Recreational facilities at the Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments of the 

Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232). (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 

2006; staff).......................................................................................................... 248

Table 49. Recreational facilities at the Wateree Development of the Catawba-Wateree 

Project (P-2232). (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)..... 250

Table 50. Recreational Use at the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232). (Source: Duke 

Energy, 2007)...................................................................................................... 254

Table 51. Estimate of recreational visitation at public recreation areas based on traffic 

counter data by month at the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232). (Source: Study 

Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff) ............................................................ 256
Table 52. Summary of non-holiday weekend capacity of the recreation access areas at the 

Bridgewater Development. (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 259

Table 53. Summary of non-holiday weekend capacity of the recreation access areas at the 

Rhodhiss Development. (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)

............................................................................................................................. 260

Table 54. Summary of non-holiday weekend capacity of the recreation access areas at the 

Oxford Development. (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)

............................................................................................................................. 262

Table 55. Summary of non-holiday weekend capacity of the recreation access areas at the 

Lookout Shoals Development. (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 263

Table 56. Summary of non-holiday weekend capacity of the recreation access areas at the 

Cowans Ford Development. (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; 

and staff) ............................................................................................................. 264

Table 57. Summary of non-holiday weekend capacity of the recreation access areas at the 

Mountain Island Development. (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 

2006; staff).......................................................................................................... 265

Table 58. Summary of non-holiday weekend capacity of the recreation access areas at the 

Wylie Development. (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)266

Table 59. Summary of non-holiday weekend capacity of the recreation access areas at the 

Fishing Creek Development. (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 268

Table 60. Summary of non-holiday weekend capacity of the recreation access areas at the 

Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments. (Source: Study Team/Resource 

Committee, 2006; staff) ...................................................................................... 269

Table 61. Summary of non-holiday weekend capacity of the recreation access areas at the 

Wateree Development. (Source: Study Team/Resource Committee, 2006; staff)

............................................................................................................................. 270

Table 62. Bridgewater Development recreational flow schedule. (Source: Duke Energy, 

2006a) ................................................................................................................. 274

Table 63. Oxford Development recreational flow schedule. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a)

............................................................................................................................. 275

Table 64. Wylie Development recreational flow schedule. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a)

............................................................................................................................. 275

Table 65. Great Falls and Dearborn Developments recreational flow schedule. (Source: 

Duke Energy, 2006a) .......................................................................................... 276

Table 66. Wateree Development recreational flow schedule. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a)

 276
Table 67. Proposed recreation measures at the Bridgewater Development to be included in 

the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 289

Table 68. Proposed recreation measures at the Rhodhiss Development to be included in the 

Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 291

Table 69. Proposed recreation measures at the Oxford Development to be included in the 

Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 292

Table 70. Proposed recreation measures at the Lookout Shoals Development to be included 

in the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 

2006a; staff) ........................................................................................................ 293

Table 71. Proposed recreation measures at the Cowans Ford Development to be included in 

the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 294

Table 72. Proposed recreation measures at the Mountain Island Development to be included 

in the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 

2006a; staff) ........................................................................................................ 295

Table 73. Proposed recreation measures at the Wylie Development to be included in the 

Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 296

Table 74. Proposed recreation measures at the Fishing Creek Development to be included in 

the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 297

Table 75. Proposed recreation measures at the Great Falls and Dearborn Developments to 

be included in the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke 

Energy, 2006a; staff)........................................................................................... 298

Table 76. Proposed recreation measures at the Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments 

to be included in the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: 

Duke Energy, 2006a; staff)................................................................................. 298

Table 77. Proposed recreation measures at the Wateree Development to be included in the 

Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 299

Table 78. CRA recreation measures at the Bridgewater Development to be excluded from 

the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 305

Table 79. Proposed recreation measures at the Rhodhiss Development to be excluded from 

the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 307
Table 80. Proposed recreation measures at the Lookout Shoals Development to be excluded 

from the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 

2006a; staff) ........................................................................................................ 308

Table 81. Proposed Recreation measures at the Cowans Ford Development to be excluded 

from the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 

2006a; staff) ........................................................................................................ 308

Table 82. Proposed recreation measures at the Wylie Development to be excluded from the 

Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 310

Table 83. Proposed recreation measures at the Fishing Creek Development to be excluded 

from the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 

2006a; staff) ........................................................................................................ 311

Table 84. Proposed recreation measures at the Wateree Development to be excluded from 

the Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) boundary. (Source: Duke Energy, 2006a; 

staff) .................................................................................................................... 312

Table 85. Percent land use in the North Carolina and South Carolina portions of the 

Catawba Wateree River Watershed. (Sources: North Carolina DWQ, 2004; 

South Carolina DHEC, 2006) ............................................................................. 318

Table 86. Summary of Shoreline Classifications Proposed for the Revised SMP for the 

Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232). (Source: Duke Energy, 2007) ................. 326

Table 87. Summary of proposed modifications to the Shoreline Management Guidelines. 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2007) ............................................................................ 330

Table 88. Comparison between the 2003 classifications and the proposed classifications. 

(Source: Duke Energy, 2007) ............................................................................ 338

Table 89. Proposed shoreline classifications by development (percentage). (Source: Duke 

Energy, 2007)...................................................................................................... 340

Table 90. Conveyances of non-project land included in the Revised CRA........................ 353

Table 91. Proposed conveyances of project lands. ............................................................. 354

Table 92. Counties associated with the Catawba-Wateree Development........................... 359

Table 93. 2000 and 2006 population size by county within the Catawba-Wateree Project.

............................................................................................................................. 360

Table 94. Demographic breakdown (percent of total population in 2006) of CatawbaWateree Project area. (Source: USCB, 2000 and 2006) ................................... 362

Table 95. 2006 economic and employment data of the Catawba-Wateree Project area. 

(Source: USCB, 2000 and 2006). ...................................................................... 364

Table 96 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Bridgewater Development. 372

Table 97 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Bridgewater Development (Source: Staff).......................... 373
Table 98 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by staff for the 

Bridgewater Development for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff)..................... 375

Table 99 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Rhodhiss Development. .... 378

Table 100 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Rhodhiss Development (Source: Staff). ............................. 379

Table 101 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the Rhodhiss 

Development for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff).......................................... 381

Table 102 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Oxford Development......... 384

Table 103 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Oxford Development (Source: Staff).................................. 385

Table 104 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the Oxford 

Development for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff).......................................... 387

Table 105 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Lookout Shoals Development.

............................................................................................................................. 390

Table 106 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Lookout Shoals Development (Source: Staff). ................... 391

Table 107 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the Lookout 

Shoals Development for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff).............................. 393

Table 108 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Cowans Ford Development.

............................................................................................................................. 396

Table 109 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Cowans Ford Development (Source: Staff)........................ 397

Table 110 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the Cowans 

Ford Development for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff)................................. 399

Table 111 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Mountain Island Development.

............................................................................................................................. 402

Table 112 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Mountain Island Development (Source: Staff)................... 403

Table 113 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the Mountain 

Island Development for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff)............................... 405

Table 114 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Wylie Development. ......... 407

Table 115 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Wylie Development (Source: Staff).................................... 408
Table 116 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the Wylie 

Development for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff).......................................... 410

Table 117 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Fishing Creek Development.

............................................................................................................................. 413

Table 118 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Fishing Creek Development (Source: Staff)....................... 414

Table 119 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the Fishing 

Creek Development for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff)............................... 416

Table 120 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Great Falls and Dearborn 

Developments. .................................................................................................... 419

Table 121 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Great Falls and Dearborn Developments (Source: Staff). .. 420

Table 122 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the Great 

Falls and Dearborn Developments for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff) ........ 422

Table 123 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek 

Developments. .................................................................................................... 425

Table 124 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments (Source: Staff).

............................................................................................................................. 426

Table 125 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the Rocky 

Creek and Cedar Creek Developments for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff).. 428

Table 126 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Wateree Development....... 430

Table 127 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Wateree Development (Source: Staff)................................ 431

Table 128 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the Wateree 

Development for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff).......................................... 433

Table 129 Staff assumptions for the economic analysis of the Catawba-Wateree Project.. 436

Table 130 Summary of the annual cost, power benefits, and annual net benefits for the three 

alternatives for the Catawba-Wateree Project (Source: Staff)........................... 437

Table 131 Summary of capital, annual O&M, and annualized costs for environmental 

measures proposed by Duke Energy and recommended by Staff for the CatawbaWateree Project for a 30-year license. (Source: Staff) ..................................... 439

Table 132. Summary of existing recreation access areas and Duke Energy or staff proposed 

new recreation access areas to be included in the Catawba-Wateree project 

boundary. (Source: Staff).................................................................................. 464
Table 133. Analysis of fish and wildlife agency section 10(j) recommendations for the 

Catawba-Wateree Project. (Source: Staff)........................................................ 474
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

AAII Access Area Improvement Initiative 

ADA Americans With Disabilities Act 

AES Alderman Environmental Services, Inc. 

AIP Agreement in Principle 

APE area of potential effects 

AR/CCL American Rivers/Coastal Conservation League 

BIA Bureau of Indian Affairs 

°C degrees Celsius 

CA critical area 

C.F.R. Code of Federal Regulations 

cfs cubic feet per second 

CHEOPS Computer Hydro Electric Operations and Planning Software 

CIN Catawba Indian Nation 

Commission Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

CR Catawba Riverkeeper 

CRA Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement 

Cultural Committee Cultural Resources Resource Committee 

CWA Clean Water Act 

CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act 

DO dissolved oxygen 

DTA Devine Tarbell and Associates, Inc. 

EBCI Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians 

EIS environmental impact statement 

EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

ESA Endangered Species Act 

°F degrees Fahrenheit 

FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency 

FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission 

Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service 

FPA Federal Power Act 

ft Foot or Feet 

FWCA Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act 

FWQIP flow and water quality implementation plan 

FWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

HDR HDR Engineering, Inc. of the Carolinas 

HEP Habitat Enhancement Program 

HPMP historic preservation management plan 

HSI Habitat Suitability Index 

IBI Index of Biological Integrity 

in. inch(es) 

Interior U.S. Department of the Interior 

kg/km kilogram(s) per kilometer 

kV kilovolt(s) 

kWh kilowatt hour(s) 
Lake Policy Lake Use Policy Statements 

LBG Louis Berger Group 

mg/l milligram(s) per liter 

mgd million gallon(s) per day 

ml milliliter(s) 

MOU memorandum of understanding 

msl mean sea level 

MW megawatt 

MWh megawatt hours 

NA not applicable 

N.AC. North Carolina Administrative Code 

National Register or 

historic properties National Register of Historic Places 

MOA Memorandum of Agreement 

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act 

NERC North American Electric Reliability Council 

NHPA National Historic Preservation Act 

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

NOAA Fisheries U.S. Department of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service 

North Carolina DENR North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources 

North Carolina DFR North Carolina Division of Forest Resources 

North Carolina DOT North Carolina Department of Transportation 

North Carolina DPR North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation 

North Carolina DWQ North Carolina Department of Water Quality 

North Carolina DWR North Carolina Division of Water Resources 

North Carolina NHP North Carolina Natural Heritage Program 

North Carolina WF North Carolina Wildlife Federation 

North Carolina WRC North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission 

NTU nephelometric turbidity units 

O&M operation and maintenance 

PA programmatic agreement 

Park Service National Park Service 

PM&E proposed mitigation and enhancement 

Revised CRA Revised Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement 

RM river mile(s) 

RMP recreation management plan 

RTE rare, threatened, and endangered 

RV recreational vehicle 

SC State Concern 

SERC Southeastern Electric Reliability Council 

SHPO State Historic Preservation Officer 

SMG shoreline management guidelines 

SMP shoreline management plan 

South Carolina DAH South Carolina Department of Archives and History 

South Carolina DHEC South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control 

South Carolina DNR South Carolina Department of Natural Resources 
South Carolina DPRT South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism 

South Carolina WF South Carolina Wildlife Federation 

sq mi square mile(s) 

T&T trap and transport 

THPO Tribal Historic Preservation Office 

TMDL total maximum daily load 

TS&T trap, sort, and transport 

μg/l microgram(s) per liter 

U.S.C. United States Code 

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

USGS U.S. Geological Survey 

WQC water quality certificate 

WQMP water quality monitoring plan 

WUA weighted usable area