2.0 PROPOSED ACTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES 

This section describes each of the alternatives analyzed in detail in this EIS and 

summarizes the alternatives considered but eliminated from detailed study. The three 

alternatives analyzed in detail included the applicant’s proposals as described in the Revised 

CRA (proposed actions), the applicant’s proposals with additional staff-recommended measures 

(staff alternatives), and the no-action alternative, which is the baseline against which the other 

alternatives are compared. 

2.1 NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE 

Under the no-action alternative, the project would continue to operate under the terms 

and conditions of the existing licenses, and no new environmental protection, mitigation, or 

enhancement measures would be implemented. We use this alternative to establish baseline 

environmental conditions for comparison with other alternatives and to judge the benefits and 

costs of any measures that might be required under a new license. 

2.1.1 Existing Project Facilities 

The existing project consists of 13 developments and 11 impoundments on the CatawbaWateree River as it flows through North and South Carolina. In North Carolina, in upstream to 

downstream order, are Bridgewater (Lake James), Rhodhiss (Lake Rhodhiss), Oxford (Lake 

Hickory), Lookout Shoals (Lookout Shoals Lake), Cowan’s Ford (Lake Norman), and Mountain 

Island (Mountain Island Lake). In South Carolina, in upstream to downstream order, are Wylie 

(Lake Wylie), Fishing Creek (Fishing Creek reservoir), Great Falls and Dearborn (Great Falls 

reservoir), Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek (Cedar Creek reservoir), and Wateree (Lake Wateree). 

The project encompasses more than 300 river miles (RM) as measured from the confluence of 

the Wateree and Congaree Rivers, and a total of 81,688 reservoir surface acres at full pond. 

Descriptions of each development are presented in sections 2.1.1.1 through 2.1.1.11. Existing 

project operations for each development are presented in sections 2.1.2.1 through 2.1.2.11. 

State Route 1233 (Powerhouse Road) runs through the Bridgewater Development, across 

the crest of the Linville and Paddy Creek dams and across a bridge over the Linville-Paddy 

Creek spillway. No other public-access roads are within the project boundaries. No primary 

transmission lines exist within the project boundary. Land resources and uses in the CatawbaWateree Project area of influence vary greatly and do not include any federal or tribal lands 

2.1.1.1 Bridgewater Development 

The Bridgewater Development is the uppermost development at RM 279.6 and includes 

three dams that form Lake James: Linville, Paddy Creek, and Catawba. The Linville and Paddy 

Creek dams are semi-hydraulic fill earthen embankments, and the Catawba dam is a combination 

of semi-hydraulic fill earthen embankments and concrete gravity. Linville dam is 160 feet (ft) 

high and 1,325 ft long, Paddy Creek dam is 165 ft high and 1,610 ft long, and Catawba dam is 

120 ft high and 3,155 ft long. There are two spillways, one for the Catawba dam and one located 

midway between the Linville and Paddy Creek dams. The Catawba spillway is an uncontrolled 

concrete gravity ogee spillway about 300 ft wide. The Linville-Paddy Creek spillway is a 430-ftwide low overflow weir, without crest control, with a paved channel extending about 464 ft 

downstream. The 6,754-acre reservoir has a full pond elevation of 1,200 ft mean sea level (msl) 

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and a usable storage capacity of 57,349 acre-feet. A trapezoidal-shaped canal connects the 

Catawba River arm of the reservoir with the Paddy Creek and Linville River arms to form Lake 

James. The canal has an excavated bottom width of 30 ft, and is about 216 ft wide at elevation 

1,200 ft msl. The intake and powerhouse for this development are located at the Linville dam on 

the right abutment. The reinforced concrete intake tower is founded on an excavated rock shelf 

at elevation 1,070 ft ms), and has three 18-ft-wide by 22-ft-high openings with structural steel 

trash racks. The tower is connected with the powerhouse by a tunnel about 900 ft long. The 

powerhouse contains two vertical Francis turbine-generator units with a total installed capacity 

of 20 MW. As part of a dam safety seismic remediation project being implemented at the 

Bridgewater Development, the current powerhouse will be demolished and replaced with a new 

powerhouse. 

The two bypassed reaches associated with this development include the Catawba River 

bypassed reach and the Paddy Creek bypassed reach. The Catawba River bypassed reach (also 

known as Old Catawba River) starts at the Catawba dam and runs about 5.65 miles to the 

confluence with the Linville River. The Paddy Creek bypassed reach starts at the Paddy Creek 

dam and runs about 0.64 mile to the confluence with the Catawba bypassed reach. There are no 

required flows for the bypassed channels. 

The power generated at the site is conveyed to two step-up transformers located in the 

switchyard directly behind the powerhouse (within the project boundary) via 100-ft-long 

generator leads. The power is then connected to a Duke Energy Carolinas’ 100-kilovolt (kV) 

transmission system. 

2.1.1.2 Rhodhiss Development 

The Rhodhiss Development is located 32 RM downstream from the Bridgewater 

Development at RM 248.00. The Rhodhiss dam is composed of rolled earth embankments and 

concrete gravity with an ungated mass-concrete ogee spillway. The dam measures 72 ft high and 

1,517 ft long, and the spillway is about 800 ft long with a crest elevation of 995.1 ft msl. The 

2,724-acre reservoir (Lake Rhodhiss) has a full pond elevation of 995.1 ft msl and a usable 

storage capacity of 7,097 acre-feet. The intake and powerhouse are integral structures, 

constructed from reinforced and mass concrete. There are three separate intakes, one for each 

turbine. Each intake has two sets of structural steel trash racks measuring 15.5 ft wide by 21.5 ft 

high. The powerhouse contains three vertical Francis turbine-generator units with a total 

installed capacity of 28.4 MW. The power generated at the site is conveyed to three step-up 

transformers located in the switchyard immediately adjacent to the powerhouse located within 

the project boundary. The 44-kV power is further transmitted to the Rhodhiss Tie substation 

some 916 ft away, for distribution and transmission. The distribution and transmission is 

controlled by Duke Energy Carolinas. 

2.1.1.3 Oxford Development 

The Oxford Development is located at RM 230.00 and includes the dam forming Lake 

Hickory. The dam is concrete gravity and rolled earth with a concrete ogee spillway. The dam 

measures 133 ft high and 1,336 ft long, and the main spillway is about 550 ft long with a crest 

elevation of 910 ft msl. An emergency spillway was constructed in 2003 by removing the top 

14 ft from the left bulkhead. The main spillway has 10 Stoney-type vertical lift gates, 25 ft by 

45 ft. The intake and powerhouse are integral structures, constructed from reinforced and mass 

concrete. The 4,072-acre reservoir (Lake Hickory) has a full pond elevation of 935 ft msl and a 

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usable storage capacity of 9,834 acre-feet. There are two separate intakes, one for each turbine. 

Each intake has two sets of structural steel trash racks measuring 15.5 ft wide by 21.5 ft high. 

The powerhouse contains two vertical Francis turbine-generator units with a total installed 

capacity of 35.7 MW. 

The power generated at the site is conveyed to two step-up transformers located in the 

switchyard adjacent to the powerhouse (within the project boundary) via 40-ft-long generator 

leads. The power is then connected to Duke Energy Carolinas 100-kV transmission system. 

2.1.1.4 Lookout Shoals Development 

The Lookout Shoals Development is located at RM 220.3. The dam is concrete gravity 

and semi-hydraulic earth fill with an ungated concrete ogee spillway. The dam measures 88 ft 

high and 2,731 ft long, and the spillway is about 933 ft long with a crest elevation of 838.1 ft 

msl. The 1,155-acre reservoir (Lookout Shoals Lake) has a full pond elevation of 838.1 ft msl 

and a usable storage capacity of 2,138 acre-feet. The intake and powerhouse are integral 

structures, constructed from reinforced and mass concrete. There are four separate intakes, one 

for each of the three main turbines and a fourth for the two junior turbines. Each intake has one 

set of structural steel trash racks measuring 18 ft wide by 22 ft high, and 7 ft wide by 14 ft high 

for the main and junior intakes, respectively. The powerhouse contains three large vertical 

Francis turbine-generator units and two small vertical Francis turbine-generator units with a total 

installed capacity of 25.7 MW. 

The power generated at the site is conveyed to two step-up transformers located in the 

switchyard adjacent to the powerhouse (within the project boundary) via 130-ft-long generator 

leads. The 100-kV power is further transmitted to the Lookout Tie substation some 1,081 ft 

away, for distribution and transmission by Duke Energy Carolinas. 

2.1.1.5 Cowans Ford Development 

The Cowans Ford Development is the largest in the project, is located at RM 186.9, and 

forms Lake Norman. The dam is concrete gravity and rolled earth with a concrete ogee spillway. 

The dam measures 130 ft high and 8,738 ft long, and the spillway is about 465 ft long with a 

crest elevation of 732 ft msl and 760 ft msl on top of the closed gates. The spillway has 

11 Taintor gates, 28 ft high by 35 ft wide. The 32,339-acre reservoir (Lake Norman) has a full 

pond elevation of 760 ft msl and a usable storage capacity of 298,142 acre-feet. The intake and 

powerhouse are integral structures, constructed from reinforced and mass concrete. There are 

four separate intakes, one for each turbine. Each intake has three sets of trash gates measuring 

17.7 ft wide by 49 ft high. The powerhouse contains four adjustable-blade Kaplan propellers 

with a total installed capacity of 332.5 MW. The power generated at the site is conveyed to two 

step-up transformers located on top of the powerhouse. The 230-kV power is further transmitted 

to the McGuire switching station some 1.67 miles, for distribution and transmission by Duke 

Energy Carolinas. 

2.1.1.6 Mountain Island Development 

The Mountain Island Development is located at RM 171.5. The dam is concrete gravity 

and semi-hydraulic fill earth with a concrete ogee spillway. The dam measures 140 ft high and 

670 ft long, and the spillway is about 997 ft long with a crest elevation of 647.5 ft msl. A 

0.7-mile bypassed reach is located beneath the spillway. There are no required flows for the 

bypassed channels. The 3,117-acre reservoir (Mountain Island Lake) has a full pond elevation of 

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647.5 ft msl and a usable storage capacity of 10,146 acre-feet. The intake and powerhouse are 

integral structures, constructed from reinforced and mass concrete. There are four separate 

intakes, one for each turbine. Each intake has two sets of trash gates measuring 15.5 ft wide by 

21.5 ft high. The powerhouse contains four vertical Francis turbine-generator units with a total 

installed capacity of 55.1 MW. The power generated at the site is conveyed to four step-up 

transformers located on a deck at generator floor level immediately downstream from the 

powerhouse. The 44-kV power is then connected to Duke Energy Carolinas distribution and 

transmission system. 

2.1.1.7 Wylie Development 

The Wylie Development is located at RM 143.5. The dam is concrete gravity and rolled 

earth with a concrete ogee spillway that consists of two gated sections separated by a curved, 

uncontrolled section. The gated section on the right is about 355 ft long, the uncontrolled section 

is 157 ft, and the left gated section is 265 ft. The dam measures 119 ft high and 3,165 ft long, 

and the spillway is about 793 ft long with a crest elevation of 539.4 ft msl across the gated 

sections and 569.4 ft msl across the uncontrolled section. The spillway has 11 steel, Stoney-type 

floodgates, 30 ft by 45 ft. The 12,177-acre reservoir (Lake Wylie) has a full pond elevation of 

569.4 ft msl and a usable storage capacity of 40,145 acre-feet. The intake and powerhouse are 

integral structures, constructed from reinforced and mass concrete. There are four separate 

intakes, one for each turbine. Each intake has two sets of trash gates measuring 17.7 ft wide by 

24.8 ft high. The powerhouse contains four vertical Francis turbine-generator units with a total 

installed capacity of 69 MW. 

The power generated at the site is conveyed to four step-up transformers located in the 

switchyard adjacent to the powerhouse located within the project boundary. The 44-kV 

transmission system is operated by Duke Energy Carolinas. 

2.1.1.8 Fishing Creek Development 

The Fishing Creek Development is located at RM 104.0. The dam is concrete gravity 

with a concrete ogee spillway. The dam measures 97 ft high and 1,770 ft long, and the spillway 

is about 1,210 ft long with a crest elevation of 392.2 ft msl and 417.2 ft msl at the top of its gates. 

The spillway has 22 steel, Stoney-type floodgates, 25 ft by 45 ft. The 3,431-acre reservoir 

(Fishing Creek) has a full pond elevation of 417.2 ft msl and a usable storage capacity of 

11,159 acre-feet. There are five separate intakes, one for each turbine. Each intake has one set 

of trash gates measuring 26 ft wide by 20 ft high. The intake and powerhouse are integral 

structures, constructed from reinforced and mass concrete. The powerhouse contains five 

vertical Francis turbine-generator units with a total installed capacity of 48.1 MW. 

The power generated at the site is conveyed to two step-up transformers located in the 

switchyard adjacent to the powerhouse (within the project boundary) via 100-ft-long generator 

leads. The 100-kV transmission system is operated by Duke Energy Carolinas. 

2.1.1.9 Great Falls and Dearborn Developments 

The Great Falls and Dearborn Developments are located at RM 101.5, only 3 miles 

downstream from the Fishing Creek dam. The Great Falls-Dearborn dam is concrete gravity 

with a concrete ogee spillway. The dam measures 103 ft high and 835 ft long. There are two 

bypassed reaches associated with Great Falls and Dearborn. The Great Falls Long bypassed 

reach (Great Falls diversion dam side) is about 2.25 miles long, and runs along the east side of 

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Mountain Island. The Great Falls Short bypassed reach (Great Falls headworks) is about 

0.75 mile long, runs east and parallel to the canal spillway, and empties into the north end of 

Cedar Creek reservoir. The development also includes two large islands: Mountain Island and 

Big Island. Mountain Island separates the Great Falls reservoir from the Great Falls Long 

bypassed reach, and Big Island separates the Great Falls-Dearborn canal spillway from Cedar 

Creek reservoir. 

The Great Falls-Dearborn diversion dam is located about 1,500 ft downstream of the 

Fishing Creek dam. The diversion spillway is 1,500 ft long with a crest elevation of 355.8 ft msl. 

It diverts the flow of the Catawba River to a canal parallel to and west of the original Catawba 

River channel. The new canal flows into the Great Falls reservoir, and the Great Falls Long 

bypassed reach follows the original path of the river. The canal headworks, located 1.4 miles 

upstream of the Great Falls-Dearborn dam, mark the boundary between the Great Falls reservoir 

and the canal that feeds water to the Great Falls and Dearborn powerhouses. The headworks 

include a trash rack structure for the canal intake and two mass concrete overflow spillways. 

The main spillway is upstream of the headworks, and the canal spillway is immediately 

downstream of the headworks. The canal spillway is equipped with flashboards, and the 

elevation of the top of the flashboards, 355.8 ft msl, is the same elevation as the crest of the main 

spillway. Flow into the canal leading to the powerhouse is regulated by submerged openings in 

the canal intake structure. Floodwater is released to the Catawba River by these two spillways 

and the upstream diversion spillway. The 353-acre reservoir (Great Falls reservoir) has a full 

pond elevation of 355.8 ft msl and a usable storage capacity of 1,966 acre-feet. 

The Great Falls intake and bulkhead are integral structures constructed from reinforced 

and mass concrete. There are nine separate intakes: one for each turbine, and one for the exciter 

unit. Each intake has a set of structural steel trash racks, eight 16-ft-wide by 18.5-ft-high oval 

openings and one 6-ft-wide by 9-ft-high oval for the turbines and exciter, respectively. The 

Great Falls and Dearborn Developments consist of two powerhouses, with the Great Falls 

powerhouse on the west side of the river and the Dearborn powerhouse on the east side. The 

Great Falls powerhouse contains eight horizontal-shaft Francis turbine-generator units with a 

total installed capacity of 24.0 MW. The Dearborn intake and powerhouse are integral 

structures, constructed from reinforced and mass concrete. There are three separate intakes, one 

for each turbine. Each intake has two sets of structural steel trash racks, 15.5 ft wide by 21.5 ft 

high. The powerhouse contains three vertical Francis turbine-generator units with an installed 

capacity of 42.0 MW. 

The power generated at Great Falls is conveyed to four step-up transformers located in a 

building situated over the tailrace just downstream from the main generator room located within 

the powerhouse area. The 44-kV power is further transmitted to the Great Falls switching station 

some 200 ft downstream of the powerhouse for distribution and transmission by Duke Energy 

Carolinas. 

The power generated at Dearborn is conveyed to two 100-kV step-up transformers and 

one 44-kV step-up transformer located on a deck at generator floor level immediately 

downstream of the generator room located within the powerhouse area. The two 443-ft-long 

100-kV transmission lines and the 402-ft-long 44-kV transmission line transmit power to the 

Great Falls Switching Station. All lines are operated by Duke Energy Carolinas. 

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2.1.1.10 Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments 

The Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments are located at RM 99.3 immediately 

downstream of the Great Falls and Dearborn Developments. The dam is concrete gravity with a 

concrete ogee spillway. The dam measures 69 ft high and 1,219 ft long, and the U-shaped 

spillway is about 1,145 ft long with a crest elevation of 284.4 ft msl and 295.4 ft msl at the top of 

its gates. The U-shaped spillway has two Stoney-type floodgates, 25 ft by 45 ft. The 

developments consist of two powerhouses: the Rocky Creek powerhouse on the west side of the 

river and the Cedar Creek powerhouse on the east side. The Rocky Creek intake and bulkhead 

are integral structures, constructed from reinforced and mass concrete. There are nine separate 

intakes: one for each turbine, and one for the exciter unit. Each intake has a set of structural 

steel trash racks, eight 18-ft-wide by 21.5-ft-high oval openings and one 6-ft-wide by 9-ft-high 

oval for the turbines and exciter, respectively. The Rocky Creek powerhouse contains eight 

horizontal-shaft Francis turbine-generator units with a total installed capacity of 25.8 MW. The 

Cedar Creek intake and powerhouse are integral structures, constructed from reinforced and 

mass concrete. There are three separate intakes, one for each turbine. Each intake has two sets 

of structural steel trash racks measuring 17.8 ft wide by 24.8 ft high. The Cedar Creek 

powerhouse contains three vertical Francis turbine-generator units with a total installed capacity 

of 43.0 MW. The 748-acre reservoir (Cedar Creek reservoir) has a full pond elevation of 

284.4 ft msl and a usable storage capacity of 2,190 acre-feet. 

The power generated at Rocky Creek is conveyed to four step-up transformers located in 

a building situated over the tailrace just downstream from the main generator room located 

within the powerhouse area. The 44-kV power is further transmitted by Duke Energy Carolinas 

for distribution and transmission to the Great Falls Switching Station. 

The power generated at Cedar Creek is conveyed to three step-up transformers located in 

the switchyard adjacent to the powerhouse located within the project boundary. The 6.6-kV 

power is stepped up to 100 kV where it is then transmitted to the Great Falls switching station for 

distribution and transmission by Duke Energy Carolinas. 

2.1.1.11 Wateree Development 

The Wateree Development is located at RM 76.9. The dam is concrete gravity and semihydraulic fill earth with a concrete ogee spillway. The dam measures 76 ft high and 1,753 ft 

long, and the spillway is about 1,450 ft long with a crest elevation of 225.5 ft msl. The 

13,025-acre reservoir (Lake Wateree) has a full pond elevation of 225.5 ft msl and a usable 

storage capacity of 65,568 acre-feet. The intake and powerhouse are integral structures, 

constructed from reinforced and mass concrete. There are five separate intakes, one for each 

turbine. Each intake has two sets of structural steel trash racks, five 18-ft-wide by 22-ft-high and 

five 12-ft-wide by 22-ft-high. The powerhouse contains five vertical Francis turbine-generator 

units with a total installed capacity of 82 MW. The power generated the site is conveyed to five 

step-up transformers located on an extension of the generator floor over the draft tubes (within 

the powerhouse area) via 100-ft-long generator leads. The 100-kV power is further transmitted 

to the Great Falls switching station for distribution and transmission by Duke Energy Carolinas. 

2.1.2 Existing Project Operations 

The Catawba-Wateree Project’s hydroelectric operations are under the control of Duke 

Energy’s hydroelectric operations center known as Hydro Central, which uses computer-based 

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tools to monitor project operations and watershed inflow. The generating facilities of the project 

are currently operated to meet the peak and load-following energy demands of Duke Energy’s 

transmission and distribution systems in coordination with their other generating facilities 

(including fossil-fueled and nuclear-fueled generating facilities). Consistent with meeting 

electrical demands, the project developments are operated to achieve development-specific 

downstream flow requirements, including the minimum average daily flow license requirement 

that provide a minimum daily flow; and development-specific continuous minimum flow 

releases. Operations of project developments are in accordance with the reservoir level guide 

curves which are not required by the current license. 

Although not a requirement of the existing license and in addition to regular project 

operations, the reservoirs of the Bridgewater, Cowans Ford, Wylie, and Wateree Developments 

have been part of a voluntary Spring Lake Level Stabilization Program. The Spring Lake Level 

Stabilization Program limits the fluctuation of reservoir levels during a 3-week spring fishspawning period to support fish spawning in the reservoirs. The spring spawning period is 

initiated by a sequence of four consecutive noontime forebay temperature readings of at least 

65 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or observed bass spawning in Lake Wateree. Once initiated, the 

reservoir level is maintained within a range of 1 ft below and 2 ft above the level on the day of 

the fourth 65°F temperature reading. The level is maintained within the limits for 3 weeks. The 

initiation of the Spring Lake Level Stabilization Program at the other Catawba-Wateree Project 

reservoirs participating in the program is keyed to the start date on Lake Wateree. The Spring 

Lake Level Stabilization Program starts on Lake Wylie 2 days after it starts on Lake Wateree; 

8 days after it starts on Lake Wateree it begins on Lake Norman; and on Lake James it starts 

14 days after it begins on Lake Wateree. 

2.1.2.1 Bridgewater Development 

The normal operating target elevation for Lake James varies during the year from a low 

elevation of 1,192 ft on March 1 to a high elevation of 1,198 ft msl from June through 

September 1, with the full pond water surface elevation at 1,200 ft. At any given time, the 

reservoir level may fluctuate within a normal operating range from 2 ft below to 2 ft above the 

normal operating target elevation. 

In addition to operating for peak demand, the Bridgewater Development operations are 

conducted to maintain the reservoir level within its normal operating range; the number of units 

and daily duration of operation are adjusted based on demand and reservoir level. One unit is 

run at efficiency load at least once each day, generating about 10 MWh to provide the minimum 

average daily flow license requirement of 66 cubic feet per second (cfs). The development 

currently has a license requirement for a continuous flow of 25 cfs that is met through wicket 

gate leakage during times of non-generation. There are no required releases into the bypassed 

portions of the original Catawba River channel. Generation from the Bridgewater Development 

is dispatched primarily for peaking energy needs. In addition to providing for Bridgewater 

powerhouse’s generating demands, the reservoir’s large storage capacity is used to augment the 

much smaller storage capacities of the downstream Rhodhiss, Oxford, and Lookout Shoals 

Developments. 

2.1.2.2 Rhodhiss Development 

The normal operating target elevation for Rhodhiss reservoir is 992.1 ft msl with the full 

pond water surface elevation at 995.1 ft. At any given time, the reservoir level may vary within 

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a normal operating range from 2 ft below to 2 ft above the normal operating target elevation. 

Municipal water withdrawals from Lake Rhodhiss include the towns of Valdese, Lenoir, and 

Granite Falls, North Carolina, and details of withdrawals are found in section 3.3.2, Water 

Resources. 

Like Bridgewater, the Rhodhiss Development operates to maintain the reservoir level 

within its normal operating range and to provide flows for its minimum average daily flow 

license requirement. One unit is run at efficiency load at least once each day, generating about 

21 MWh to meet the minimum average daily flow requirement of 225 cfs. The development 

currently has a license requirement for a continuous flow of 40 cfs that is met through wicket 

gate leakage during times of non-generation. 

2.1.2.3 Oxford Development 

The normal operating target elevation for Oxford reservoir is 932 ft msl with the full 

pond water surface elevation at 935 ft. At any given time, the reservoir level may vary within a 

normal operating range from 0.5 ft below to 2 ft above the normal operating target elevation. 

Municipal water withdrawals from Lake Hickory include the towns of Longview and Hickory, 

North Carolina. 

Oxford generates electricity to meet peak demand and to maintain the reservoir level 

within its normal operating range. One unit is run at efficiency load at least once each day, 

generating about 35 MWh to meet the minimum average daily flow license requirement of 

261 cfs. The development currently has a license requirement for a continuous flow of 40 cfs 

that is met through wicket gate leakage during times of no power generation. The Oxford 

generating units have black start capability, which enables operation of the station’s floodgates 

even under emergency conditions. 

2.1.2.4 Lookout Shoals Development 

The normal operating target elevation for Lookout Shoals reservoir is 836.1 ft msl with 

the full pond water surface elevation at 838.1 ft. At any given time, the reservoir level may vary 

within a normal operating range from 1.5 ft below to 1 ft above the normal operating target 

elevation. The city of Statesville, North Carolina, has an intake on Lookout Shoals Lake. 

Lookout Shoals Development is operated to provide electricity and to maintain its 

reservoir level within its normal operating range. Minimum release requirements are met by 

operating one of two former exciter units that have been converted to small generating units. 

One exciter unit is run at efficiency load 24 hours a day, generating about 9 MWh each day 

while meeting the current license continuous release requirement of 60 cfs. One of the three 

large units is run each day, generating 31 MWh to meet the minimum average daily flow license 

requirement of 278 cfs. Additional generation from the three large units at Lookout Shoals is 

dispatched primarily for peaking energy needs. 

2.1.2.5 Cowans Ford Development 

The normal operating target elevation for the Cowans Ford reservoir varies during the 

year from elevation 752 ft msl in March to 758 ft msl from June through September with a full 

pond water surface elevation of 760 ft. At any given time, the reservoir level may fluctuate 

within the normal operating range from 2 ft below to 2 ft above the normal operating target 

elevation. 

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Duke Power’s Marshall Steam Station and McGuire Nuclear Station are located on the 

Cowans Ford reservoir. The reservoir level may not be drawn down more than 15 ft below full 

pond, which is elevation 745 ft msl, without violating Nuclear Regulatory Commission limits set 

for the McGuire Nuclear Station. Thermal effects further limit the draw-down to 750 ft, 10 ft 

below full pond. In addition, there is an underwater weir in front of the Cowans Ford 

powerhouse intakes with a crest elevation of 725 ft, which presents a physical limitation on the 

draw-down of the reservoir. There are a number of public water supply withdrawals on Lake 

Norman including Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Department; Lincoln County, North 

Carolina; and the city of Mooresville, North Carolina. 

Cowans Ford Development operates to provide electricity during peak energy demands 

and to maintain the reservoir level within its normal operating range. One unit is run at 

efficiency load at least once each day, generating about 44 MWh to meet the minimum average 

daily flow license requirement of 311 cfs. In addition, the development currently has a license 

requirement to maintain a continuous flow of 80 cfs that is met through wicket gate leakage 

when the facility is not generating electricity. 

The Cowans Ford Development is the largest development of the Catawba-Wateree 

Project, and its reservoir, Lake Norman, has the largest storage capacity of this project. In 

addition to meeting its own requirements as described above, Lake Norman’s large storage 

capacity is used to augment generation flows for the downstream Catawba-Wateree 

developments. Too much water released in too short a period of time would cause Mountain 

Island downstream of Cowans Ford to spill; therefore, when Cowans Ford generates, care must 

be taken not to overwhelm the Mountain Island Development and cause excessive spill. 

2.1.2.6 Mountain Island Development 

The normal operating target elevation for the Mountain Island reservoir is 643.5 ft msl, 

with 647.5 ft being the full pond water surface elevation. At any given time, the reservoir level 

may vary within a normal operating range from 0.5 ft below to 3.5 ft above the normal operating 

target elevation. The Mountain Island reservoir level is operated to provide sufficient storage for 

the operation of Cowans Ford without spilling from Mountain Island. Consequently, Mountain 

Island often starts generation in anticipation of Cowans Ford generating. Duke Power’s 

Riverbend Steam Station is located on the Mountain Island reservoir, and its minimum lake level 

requirement limits the Mountain Island draw-down to 641.8 ft. Municipal water withdrawals 

from Mountain Island Lake include the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities Department; the city of 

Gastonia, North Carolina; and the town of Mount Holly, North Carolina. 

Duke Energy operates its generators at Mountain Island to provide electricity during peak 

energy demand and to maintain the reservoir level within its normal operating range. One unit is 

run at efficiency load at least once each day, generating about 33 MWh to meet the minimum 

average daily flow license requirement of 314 cfs. The development currently has a license 

requirement for a continuous flow of 80 cfs that is met through wicket gate leakage when the 

facility is not generating electricity. These releases are made into the tailrace channel below the 

powerhouse, which flows into the downstream reservoir. 

2.1.2.7 Wylie Development 

The normal operating target elevation for Wylie reservoir is 566.4 ft msl with the full 

pond water surface elevation at 569.4 ft. At any given time, the reservoir level may vary within 

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a normal operating range from 2 ft below to 2 ft above the normal operating target elevation. 

Duke Power’s Catawba Nuclear Station and Allen Steam Station are located on the reservoir. In 

addition, the municipal withdrawals for Belmont, North Carolina, and Rock Hill, South Carolina, 

are located on Lake Wylie. 

Wylie Development generates electricity on a daily basis to provide flow for the benefit 

of downstream industrial water users (approximately 700 cfs) and to maintain the reservoir level 

within its normal operating range. Any additional electrical generation from the Wylie 

Development is used to meet peak energy demands. One unit is run at efficiency load at least 

once each day, generating about 49 MWh to meet the minimum average daily flow license 

requirement of 411 cfs. The Wylie generating units have black start capability, which enables 

operation of the station’s floodgates even under emergency conditions. The city of Rock Hill, 

South Carolina; the town of Fort Mill, South Carolina; the water department of Union County, 

North Carolina; and the water department of Lancaster County, South Carolina, all have intakes 

on the river downstream of the development. 

2.1.2.8 Fishing Creek Development 

The normal operating target elevation for the Fishing Creek reservoir is 414.2 ft msl with 

the full pond water surface elevation at 417.2 ft. At any given time, the reservoir level may vary 

within a normal operating range from 2 ft below to 2 ft above the normal operating target 

elevation. Chester Metropolitan Water and Sewer District withdraws water from the reservoir of 

the Fishing Creek Development. 

Fishing Creek generates electricity to maintain the reservoir level within its normal 

operating range. One unit is run at efficiency load at least once each day, generating about 

46 MWh to meet the minimum average daily flow license requirement for a flow of 440 cfs. In 

addition, the Fishing Creek powerhouse releases into the upper end of the reservoir for the 

downstream developments at Great Falls and Dearborn. The structures that contain this 

downstream reservoir include a Great Falls diversion dam immediately downstream of Fishing 

Creek and the Great Falls headworks farther downstream. In order not to cause a spill from the 

downstream development, the Fishing Creek tailrace elevation cannot exceed the top of the 

diversion dam or downstream headworks. This tailrace elevation limitation and the flow-through 

rate of the downstream generating facility result in a maximum run time of about 6 hours at five 

units’ flow to avoid downstream spilling. Once this generating limit is reached, the output has to 

be reduced to four units’ output for 2 hours before returning the fifth unit to operation. 

Consistent with these tailrace limitations, the flow from the Fishing Creek Development is used 

to refill the reservoirs for the next four downstream developments (Great Falls, Dearborn, Rocky 

Creek, and Cedar Creek) prior to their generating runs. This practice results in more efficient use 

of the generating capabilities of the four downstream developments. After the above-listed 

operational constraints are satisfied, all remaining Fishing Creek generation is dispatched 

primarily for peaking energy needs. The generating units at Fishing Creek have black start 

capability, which enables operation of the station’s floodgates even under emergency conditions. 

2.1.2.9 Great Falls and Dearborn Developments 

The normal operating target elevation for the Great Falls and Dearborn Developments’ 

reservoir is 353.3 ft msl with the full pond water surface elevation of 355.8 ft. At any given 

time, the reservoir level may vary within a normal operating range from 3.5 ft below to 2 ft 

24 
above the normal operating target elevation. No municipal water withdrawal facilities are 

located on the reservoir. 

Great Falls and Dearborn operate to provide electrical generation primarily to maintain 

the reservoir level within its normal operating range and for peak energy demand. Since the 

three units at the Dearborn powerhouse are more efficient than the eight units at the Great Falls 

powerhouse, the Great Falls units are only run to avoid spilling or during periods of high peaking 

energy demand. One Dearborn unit is run at efficiency load at least once each day, generating 

about 53 MWh to meet the minimum average daily flow license requirement of 444 cfs flow. 

2.1.2.10 Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments 

The normal operating target elevation for the reservoir is 281.9 ft msl with the full pond 

water surface elevation at 284.4 ft. At any given time, the reservoir level may vary within a 

normal operating range from 1 ft below to 2 ft above the normal operating target elevation. No 

municipal water withdrawal facilities are located on the reservoir for the Rocky Creek and Cedar 

Creek Developments. 

The Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments generate electricity to maintain the 

reservoir level within its normal operating range, to provide required flow under the minimum 

average daily flow license requirement, and to provide electricity to meet peak energy demands. 

Since the three units at the Cedar Creek powerhouse are more efficient than the eight units at the 

Rocky Creek powerhouse, the Rocky Creek units are only run to avoid spilling or during periods 

of high peaking energy demand. One Cedar Creek unit is run at efficiency load at least once 

each day, generating about 40 MWh to meet the minimum average daily flow requirement of 

445 cfs. The generating units at the Cedar Creek powerhouse have black start capability, which 

enables operation of the station’s floodgates even under emergency conditions. 

2.1.2.11 Wateree Development 

The normal operating target elevation for the Wateree reservoir varies during the year 

from elevation 220.5 ft in December and January to 222.5 ft msl for most of the year excepting a 

3-week fill period in January to February and a 6-week draw-down period in November to 

December. Full pond water surface elevation for the Wateree reservoir is 225.5 ft. At any given 

time, the reservoir level may fluctuate within a normal operating range from 2 ft below to 2 ft 

above the normal operating target elevation. The city of Camden and the Lugoff-Elgin Water 

Authority in South Carolina have municipal water withdrawal facilities on the reservoir. 

The Wateree Development maintains its reservoir level within its normal operating range 

by generating electricity as needed. Additionally, one unit is operated at efficiency load at least 

once each day, generating about 60 MWh to meet the minimum average daily flow license 

requirement of 446 cfs. In the spring, the station continuous release is increased to support fish 

spawning as part of the voluntary Spring Lake Level Stabilization Program. From March 15 to 

May 31, the station releases a continuous flow that results in electrical generation of about 

312 MWh per day. The continuous release to support fish spawning is sometimes reduced 

depending on water availability. Additional daily voluntary releases are made as needed 

throughout the year to support several large industrial water users downstream including a large 

steam-electric generating station. Except for continuous releases, generation from the Wateree 

Development is dispatched primarily for peaking energy needs. 

25 
2.1.3 Project Safety 

The Catawba-Wateree Project has been operating for almost 50 years under the existing 

license and, during this time, staff has conducted operational inspections focusing on the 

continued safety of the structures, identification of unauthorized modifications, efficiency and 

safety of operations, compliance with the terms of the licenses, and proper maintenance. In 

addition, the project has been inspected and evaluated every 5 years by an independent 

consultant, and a consultant’s safety report has been submitted for Commission review. 

As part of the relicensing process, the staff would evaluate the continued adequacy of the 

proposed project’s facilities under new licenses. Special articles would be included in any 

licenses issued, as appropriate. Staff would continue to inspect the project during the new 

license terms to ensure continued adherence to Commission-approved plans and specifications, 

special license articles relating to construction (if any), operation and maintenance, and accepted 

engineering practices and procedures. 

2.1.4 Existing Project Boundaries 

The project boundary generally follows the normal full pond elevation of each of the 

11 project reservoirs. The 55 project-related recreational facilities at the reservoirs are included 

in the project boundary and represent a total area of 1,992 acres. 

2.2 APPLICANT’S PROPOSALS (SETTLEMENTS) 

2.2.1 Proposed Project Facilities 

The applicant does not propose to add new hydroelectric generating capacity to the 

Catawba-Wateree Project; however, there are physical and operational modifications proposed 

for five of the developments to support the implementation of the Revised CRA. Operational 

modifications are discussed in section 2.2.2, Proposed Operations. Physical modifications to 

support the implementation of the Revised CRA include: (1) the installation of flow compliance 

gauges at Bridgewater, Oxford, and Great Falls and Dearborn; (2) the installation of aerating 

runners at Rhodhiss (Unit 3), Oxford (on one existing unit), Wylie, and Wateree; and (3) the 

installation of dissolved oxygen and groundwater compliance monitors at all 11 developments. 

In addition, the following would be installed: a BW Bypass Flow valve at Bridgewater, a 

minimum flow valve at Oxford, a maintenance flow valve at Lookout Shoals, and a minimum 

flow hydro unit at Wylie. Great Falls and Dearborn Developments would undergo modifications 

to the Great Falls diversion dam and Great Falls headworks, and the Wateree Development 

would have a portion of the dam crest removed to support the installation of a bladder dam 

In addition to these modifications, a new powerhouse at the Bridgewater Development is 

being constructed as part of seismic modifications to the Linville dam. 

2.2.2 Proposed Operations 

Duke Energy proposes to operate the project similar to its current operation with the 

following changes. 

2.2.2.1 Required Minimum Flows 

Except when operating under the Low Inflow Protocol or the Hydro Project Maintenance 

and Emergency Protocol, minimum continuous flows from the Bridgewater, Oxford, Lookout 

26 
Shoals, Wylie, Great Falls, Dearborn, and Wateree Developments would be proposed as shown 

in table 2. 

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

Hydro Project Maintenance and Emergency Protocol. 

Minimum continuous flows 

Development(s)/location Date Minimum continuous 

flows (cfs) 

Jan – Mar 145 

Apr – Jul 95 

Aug – Nov 75 

Bridgewater Development/Bridgewater 

Tailrace 

Dec 145 

Jan – Jun 75 

Jul – Nov 50 Bridgewater Development/Catawba River 

Bypassed Reach 

Dec 75 

Oxford Development/NA1 Jan – Dec 150 

Lookout Shoals Development/NA Jan – Dec 80 

Wylie Development/NA Jan – Dec 1,100 

Jan – Feb 14 450 

Feb 15 – May 15 850 Great Falls and Dearborn Developments/ 

Long Bypassed Reach 

May 15 – Dec 450 

Great Falls and Dearborn Developments/ 

Short Bypassed Reach 

Jan – Dec 100 

Jan – Feb 14 930 

Feb 14 – Feb 29 2,400 

Mar – Apr 2,700 

May 1 – May 15 2,400 

May 16 – May 31 1,250 

Wateree Development/NA 

Jun – Dec 930 

1

 Not applicable. 

In addition, Duke Energy proposes to maintain the following minimum average daily 

flow unchanged from the current license requirements: 225 cfs from the Rhodhiss Development; 

311 cfs from the Cowans Ford Development; 314 cfs from the Mountain Island Development; 

27 
440 cfs from the Fishing Creek Development; and 445 cfs from the Rocky Creek and Cedar 

Creek Developments. 

Recreational Flows 

Duke Energy proposes to provide additional recreational flows from the Bridgewater, 

Oxford, Wylie, Great Falls, Dearborn, and Wateree Developments in accordance with the 

schedule included in table 3, extracted from the Revised CRA. 

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

(Source: Duke Energy, 2006a) 

Recreational flows 

Dates 

(inclusive) Days/description Flows 

(≥ cfs) 

Hour 

start Hour end 

Apr 1 – 

Apr 30 

Last full weekend – 

Saturday and Sunday 900 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

May 1 – 

Jul 15 

Each Friday, Saturday, and 

Sunday plus Memorial Day 

and Independence Day 

900 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

Jul 16 – 

Aug 31 Each Saturday and Sunday 900 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

Sep 1 – 

Sep 30 

Each Friday, Saturday, and 

Sunday plus Labor Day 900 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

Bridgewater 

Development 

Recreational 

Flow Schedule 

Oct 1 – 

Oct 31 Each Saturday and Sunday 900 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

Dates 

(inclusive) Days/description Flows 

(≥ cfs) 

Hour 

start Hour end 

May 1 – 

Sep 30 

Each Saturday and Sunday 

plus Memorial, 

Independence, and Labor 

Days 

2,600 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

Oxford 

Development 

Recreational 

Flow Schedule 

Oct 1 – 

Oct 31 First 4 Saturdays 2,600 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

28 
Recreational flows 

Dates 

(inclusive) Days/description Flows 

(≥ cfs) 

Hour 

start Hour end 

Apr 1 – 

Apr 30 

Last full weekend – 

Saturday and Sunday 3,000 10:00 AM 4:00 PM 

May 1 – 

Jun 15 

Each Friday, Saturday, and 

Sunday plus Memorial Day 3,000 10:00 AM 4:00 PM 

Jun 16 – 

Jul 15 

Each Friday, Saturday, and 

Sunday plus Independence 

Day 

6,000 10:00 AM 4:00 PM 

Jul 16 – 

Aug 31 Each Saturday and Sunday 6,000 10:00 AM 4:00 PM 

Sep 1 – 

Sep 30 

Each Friday, Saturday, and 

Sunday plus Labor Day 6,000 10:00 AM 4:00 PM 

Wylie 

Development 

Recreational 

Flow Schedule 

Oct 1 – 

Oct 31 Each Saturday and Sunday 3,000 10:00 AM 4:00 PM 

Dates 

(inclusive) Days/description Flows 

(≥ cfs) 

Hour 

start Hour end 

Two Saturdays per month 2,940 

Great Falls 

and Dearborn 

– Long 

Bypassed 

Reach 

Mar 1 – 

Oct 31 A total of 4 Sundays 2,940 

10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

Mar 1 – 

Apr 30 

One Saturday per month to 

correspond with Long 

Bypassed releases 

2,860 

Great Falls 

and Dearborn 

– Short 

Bypassed 

Reach May 1 – 

Oct 31 

Two weekends (Saturday 

and Sunday) per month 2,860 

10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

Dates 

(inclusive) Days/description Flows 

(≥ cfs) 

Hour 

start Hour end 

Apr 1 – 

Apr 30 

Last full weekend – 

Saturday and Sunday 2,760 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

May 1 – 

Jul 31 

Each Saturday and Sunday 

plus Memorial and 

Independence Days 

2,760 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

Sep 1 – 

Sep 30 

Each Saturday and Sunday 

plus Labor Day 2,760 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

Wateree 

Development 

Recreational 

Flow Schedule 

Oct 1 – 

Oct 31 Each Saturday and Sunday 2,760 10:00 AM 3:00 PM 

29 
Bridgewater Development 

In addition to the schedule of flows proposed for the developments presented in table 3, 

Duke Energy would provide flows to support float angling and paddling. The flows for float 

angling at the Bridgewater Development would be provided as close as feasible to 900 cfs, 

without exceeding 1,200 cfs, and the flows for paddling would be at least 900 cfs. Scheduled 

recreational flows should be divided about equally between flow releases for float angling and 

flow releases for paddling. Scheduling of specific dates each year that are focused on float 

angling or paddling would be determined at the annual recreational flow schedule planning 

meeting. If the applicant is not operating in accordance with the Maintenance and Emergency 

Protocol and needs to operate the Bridgewater Development to release more than 1,200 cfs for 

three or more hours during any of the scheduled flow release periods to support float angling, 

then Duke Energy would endeavor in good faith to add equivalent hours of replacement 

recreational flow releases for float angling at the Bridgewater Development within the same 

calendar year. 

Oxford Development 

At the Oxford Development, Duke Energy would provide up to 10 additional hours of 

recreational flow releases per calendar year in addition to the recreational flow releases identified 

in table 3. Flows would be provided in increments of no less than 1 hour each of at least 

2,600 cfs. Scheduling for additional recreational flow releases would be determined at the 

annual recreational flow schedule planning meeting. 

Wylie Development 

In addition to the scheduled recreational flow releases, Duke Energy would provide a 

release of 1,300 cfs for 6 hours prior to the scheduled start times for the recreational flow release 

from May 1 to July 15, inclusive, to ensure suitable water levels at Landsford Canal State Park. 

Duke Energy also would provide up to 10 additional hours of recreational flow releases per 

calendar year, in increments of no less than 1 hour each of 3,000 cfs. Scheduling for additional 

recreational flow releases would be determined at the annual recreational flow schedule planning 

meeting. 

Great Falls and Dearborn Developments 

Duke Energy would provide up to 10 additional hours of recreational flow releases per 

calendar year, in increments of no less than 1 hour each, of at least 2,860 cfs at the Great Falls 

Short bypassed reach and at least 2,940 cfs the Great Falls Long bypassed reach. Scheduling for 

additional recreational flow releases would be determined at the annual recreational flow 

schedule planning meeting. 

Wateree Development 

Duke Energy would provide up to 10 additional hours of recreational flow releases per 

calendar year, in increments of no less than 1 hour each, of at least 2,760 cfs. Scheduling for 

additional recreational flow releases would be determined at the annual recreational flow 

schedule planning meeting. 

The flows and schedules for the recreational flow releases identified in the tables for 

identified developments may be temporarily modified if Duke Energy is operating in accordance 

with the Commission-approved Low Inflow Protocol or the Maintenance and Emergency 

30 
Protocol. Duke Energy would notify the Commission, the resource agencies, and other 

interested parties of any modifications necessary in accordance with either operational protocol. 

Wylie High Inflow Protocol 

In order to provide additional protection and enhancement of aquatic habitat downstream 

of the Wylie Development when above-average inflow is available, Duke Energy proposes to 

increase the minimum continuous flow from 1,100 to 1,300 cfs from February 15 through 

May 15. The increase would occur if the median flows at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 

streamflow gages on the Catawba River (USGS #02137727), Johns River (USGS #02140991), 

and South Fork Catawba River (USGS #02145000) are at or above 105 percent of the 3-month 

(November to January) median flows for the periods of record for these gages. If, when 

operating in the Wylie High Inflow Protocol, the February median flow for any one of these 

three streamflow gages is below the February median flow for the period of record of that gage, 

then the minimum flow requirement for the Wylie Development would be reduced on April 1 to 

1,100 cfs. Duke Energy may suspend the Wylie High Inflow Protocol if operating under the 

Low Inflow Protocol or the Maintenance and Emergency Protocol. 

Reservoir Elevations 

Duke Energy would meet operating elevations for each reservoir except as provided 

under the Low Inflow Protocol, Maintenance and Emergency Protocol, or Spring Reservoir 

Level Stabilization Program. Reservoir elevations as proposed for each development in the 

proposed license articles are presented in table 4. The Low Inflow and Maintenance and 

Emergency Protocol are included in appendices C and D of the Revised CRA (Duke Energy, 

2006a). 

Spring Reservoir Level Stabilization Program 

Lake James, Lake Norman, Lake Wylie, and Lake Wateree would continue to participate 

in the Spring Reservoir Level Stabilization Program. This program would limit the fluctuation 

of the reservoir level during the 3-week spring fish spawning period to support fish spawning in 

the reservoir, unless operating under the Low Inflow Protocol or the Maintenance and 

Emergency Protocol. The program would initiate at each reservoir when (a) surface water 

temperatures reach 65°F for four consecutive days, (b) bass spawning is observed in the reservoir 

by an applicant representative, or (c) a Resource Agency representative notifies the applicant that 

bass spawning has been observed in the reservoir, whichever happens first. Once initiated, the 

reservoir level is maintained within a range of 1 ft below and 2 ft above the level at the time 

when the program is triggered. The level is maintained within the limits for 3 weeks. The only 

significant difference between the current voluntary program and the proposed Spring Reservoir 

Level Stabilization Program is that the program would trigger for each reservoir individually. 

Currently, the program initiates based on conditions at Lake Wateree, and stabilization in the 

other reservoirs initiates at set intervals after that point. 

2.2.3 Proposed Environmental Measures 

2.2.3.1 Proposed License Articles 

Under the Revised CRA, Duke Energy proposes to continue operating the project with 

the proposed protection and enhancement measures summarized in table 4. 

31 
Table 4. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) proposed license articles. (Source: Duke 

Energy, 2006a) 

Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

Operate reservoirs at or above the normal minimum 

elevations given below, except as needed to maintain 

minimum flows or as provided under the Low Inflow 

Protocol, Maintenance and Emergency Protocol, or Spring 

Reservoir Level Stabilization Program: 

WQQ 1.0 Reservoir 

Elevations 

Reservoir Month Normal 

min. (ft)

Normal 

target 

(ft)

Normal* 

max. (ft)

Lake James 

(Full Pond: 

1,200.0 ft msl)

Jan 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May-Oct 

Nov-Dec

93.00 

92.00 

92.00 

92.00 

95.00 

93.00

96.00 

94.00 

95.00 

96.00 

98.00 

96.00

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100

Lake Rhodhiss 

(Full Pond: 

995.1 ft msl) 

Jan-Dec 94.00 97.00 100 

Lake Hickory 

(Full Pond: 

935.0 ft msl) 

Jan-Feb 

Mar-Dec 

94.00 

94.00 

96.00 

97.00 

100 

100 

Lookout Shoals 

Lake 

(Full Pond: 

838.1 ft msl) 

Jan-Dec 94.00 97.00 100 

Lake Norman 

(Full Pond: 

760.0 ft msl) 

Jan 

Feb 

Mar 

Apr 

May-Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

93.00 

91.00 

92.26 

93.65 

95.00 

93.98 

93.00 

96.00 

94.00 

95.26 

96.65 

98.00 

97.00 

96.00 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

Mountain Island 

Lake 

(Full Pond: 

647.5 ft msl) 

Jan-Dec 94.30 96.00 100 

Lake Wylie 

Reservoir 

(Full Pond: 

569.4 ft msl) 

Jan-Dec 94.00 97.00 100 

32 
* 100 ft = Full Pond 

Reservoir Month Normal 

min. (ft)

Normal 

target 

(ft)

Normal* 

max. (ft)

Fishing Creek 

Reservoir 

(Full Pond: 

417.2 ft msl) 

Jan-Dec 95.00 98.00 100 

Great Falls 

Reservoir 

(Full Pond: 

355.8 ft msl) 

Jan-Dec 95.00 97.50 100 

Cedar Creek 

Reservoir 

(Full Pond: 

284.4 ft msl) 

Jan-Dec 96.00 97.50 100 

Lake Wateree 

Reservoir 

(Full Pond: 

225.5 ft msl) 

Jan 

Feb 

Mar-Oct 

Nov 

Dec 

93.00 

93.00 

94.00 

93.00 

93.00 

94.50 

95.00 

97.00 

97.00 

95.00 

100 

100 

100 

100 

100 

Implement the Spring Reservoir Level Stabilization Program 

at Lakes James, Wylie, Norman, and Wateree, unless 

operating under the Low Inflow Protocol or Maintenance and 

Emergency Protocol. 

Begin stabilization period for each reservoir when (a) surface 

water temperatures reach 65°F for four consecutive days, 

(b) bass spawning is observed in the reservoir by an applicant 

representative, or (c) a resource agency representative 

notifies the applicant that bass spawning has been observed 

in the reservoir, whichever happens first. 

Observe surface water temperatures in at least one location at 

each reservoir in the program. 

Maintain the water level in the subject reservoir within a 

range of 1 ft below to 2 ft above the elevation at the time that 

the stabilization period is triggered. 

WQQ 2.0 

Spring Reservoir 

Level 

Stabilization 

Program 

Stabilize the subject reservoir for 3 weeks once initiated. 

WQQ 3.0 Low Inflow 

Protocol 

Operate in accordance with the Low Inflow Protocol 

included as appendix C of the Revised CRA. 

WQQ 4.0 

Maintenance and 

Emergency 

Protocol 

Operate in accordance with the Maintenance and Emergency 

Protocol included as appendix D of the Revised CRA. 

33 
WQQ 5.0 

Flow and 

Reservoir 

Elevation 

Monitoring and 

Reporting 

By June 30 of each full calendar year for the term of the 

new license, file a report with the Commission to verify 

compliance with reservoir elevations, Spring Reservoir Level 

Stabilization Program, recreational flows, minimum flows, 

and the Wylie High Inflow Protocol as set forth in the new 

license. 

WQQ 5.1 

Funding for 

USGS Stream 

Gages 

Fund the installation of one new USGS streamflow gage to 

be located on the Linville River, between the Linville dam 

and the confluence of the Linville and Catawba River, just 

downstream of the Bridgewater Development. In addition, 

provide funding for the annual maintenance cost of the new 

gage and six additional gages for the term of the new license. 

Provide releases that improve aquatic habitat according to the 

schedules for affected developments. 

Provide minimum continuous flows from the Bridgewater, 

Oxford, Lookout Shoals, Wylie, Great Falls, Dearborn, and 

Wateree Developments as described in section 2.2.2.1, 

Required Minimum Flows. WQQ 8.0 

Minimum Flows 

for Aquatic 

Habitat 

Provide minimum average daily flows from the Rhodhiss, 

Cowans Ford, Mountain Island, Fishing Creek, Rocky Creek 

and Cedar Creek Developments as described in 

section 2.2.2.1, Required Minimum Flows. 

Increase the minimum continuous flow from the Wylie 

Development from 1,100 to 1,300 cfs from February 15 

through May 15 if the median flows at the USGS streamflow 

gages on the Catawba River (#02137727), Johns River 

(#02140991), and South Fork Catawba River (#02145000) 

are at or above 105 percent of the 3-month (November to 

January) median flows for the periods of record for these 

gages. 

While operating under the Wylie High Inflow Protocol, if the 

February median flow for any of these three gages is below 

the median February flow for the period of record of that 

gage, then the minimum continuous flow will be dropped 

back to 1,100 cfs on April 1. 

WQQ 8.2 Wylie High 

Inflow Protocol 

The applicant may suspend the Wylie High Inflow Protocol if 

it is operating under the Low Inflow Protocol or the 

Maintenance and Emergency Protocol. 

34 
WQQ 10.1 

Flows Supporting 

Public Water 

Supply and 

Industrial 

Processes 

Provide the following flow releases to support downstream 

withdrawal requirements. (Flows may be modified when 

operating under the Maintenance and Emergency Protocol or 

stage 4 of the Low Inflow Protocol) 

Development Required 

flow (cfs) Water user RM 

Bridgewater 90 continuous 

minimum City of Morganton 264.0 

619 weekly 

average 

CharlotteMecklenburg 

Utilities 

137.6 

619 weekly 

average City of Rock Hill 137.0 

619 weekly 

average 

Celanese Acetate 136.0 

619 weekly 

average 

Nations Ford 

Chemical 135.0 

Up to 71 

above 

existing flow 

Union and Lancaster 

Counties 122.0 

600 

continuous 

minimum 

Bowater Pulp and 

Paper Mill 120.0 

Wylie 

1,000 

minimum 

Bowater Pulp and 

Paper Mill for 

continuous 16 

hours/day 

120.0 

800 

continuous 

minimum 

International Paper 

Facility 17.0 

Wateree 

800 

continuous 

minimum 

South Carolina 

Electric and Gas 

Company 

12.0 

WQQ 16.0 

Annual 

Recreational 

Flow Schedule 

Planning 

Convene an annual recreational flow schedule planning 

meeting with North Carolina DENR, North Carolina WRC, 

South Carolina DNR, South Carolina DPRT, and other 

entities with recreational experience and expertise to make 

improvements to the recreational flow release schedule, 

establish a schedule for additional recreational flows, and 

identify potential dates for replacement flows. 

35 
WQQ 16.1 

– 16.11 

Recreational 

Flow Releases 

Provide recreational flows from the Bridgewater, Oxford, 

Wylie, Great Falls, Dearborn, and Wateree Developments as 

outlined in section 2.2.2.1, Required Minimum Flows, unless 

operating under the Low Inflow Protocol or Maintenance and 

Emergency Protocol 

WQQ 6.0 

Compliance with 

Water Quality 

Standards 

Develop and file a water quality monitoring plan to monitor 

compliance with water quality requirements, and file an 

annual report with the Commission to verify compliance with 

any applicable 401 Water Quality Certifications for the 

previous calendar year. 

WQQ 7.0 

Flow and Water 

Quality 

Implementation 

Plan 

Develop and file a flow and water quality implementation 

plan (FWQIP) for completing the modifications necessary to 

satisfy the flow and water quality requirements at project 

developments, to be prepared in consultation with FWS, 

NOAA Fisheries, North Carolina DENR, North Carolina 

WRC, South Carolina DNR, and South Carolina DHEC. 

SMP 18.0 Shoreline 

Management Plan 

Implement the revised shoreline management plan (SMP) as 

filed with the application for new license (Book 5), with the 

understanding that the applicant has the right to make 

changes in order to protect newly discovered resources 

including archaeological or historical sites, threatened or 

endangered species, special concern species, or correct 

errors. 

SMP 18.1 

Review and 

Update 

Procedures 

File a revised SMP every 10 years after the issuance of the 

new license for the term of the license, to be prepared in 

consultation with FWS, NOAA Fisheries, North Carolina 

DENR, North Carolina WRC, South Carolina DNR, South 

Carolina DHEC, and other interested parties. 

CR 12.0 

Historic 

Properties 

Management Plan 

Implement the historic properties management plan as filed 

with the application for new license (Book 4). 

CR 12.3 Bridgewater 

Development 

Offer to lease an island containing a historic gravesite to the 

North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation (DPR) for 

management as part of Lake James State Park. Require 

North Carolina DPR to monitor the site at least annually and 

report any disturbances. 

36 
CR 12.7 Fishing Creek 

Development 

Offer to lease sites 38LA467, 38LA468, 38LA469, 

38LA470, 38LA471, 38LA473, 38LA474 to South Carolina 

DPRT for the term of the new license and require a 

management plan for these sites in consultation with CIN 

THPO and South Carolina DAH. 

FWBR 

11.0 

Federal 

Threatened and 

Endangered 

Species 

Protection Plans 

Implement the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species 

Protection Plans for Schweinitz’s sunflower, dwarf-flowered 

heartleaf, bald eagle, wood stork, American alligator, 

shortnose sturgeon, and freshwater mussels including the 

Carolina heelsplitter as filed with the application for new 

license (Books 2 and 3). The applicant also must annually 

update the list of threatened and endangered species, after 

consultation with FWS, North Carolina DENR, North 

Carolina WRC, and South Carolina DNR. 

REC 13.0 Recreation 

Management Plan 

Develop and file a recreation management plan (RMP) that 

describes the implementation of the measures identified in 

article 14.0 and proposes a schedule in 5-year increments. 

REC 14.0 

Recreation 

Facility 

Enhancements 

Specific recreational sites and elements at each site are 

described in detail in section 3.3.7, Recreational Resources. 

Bridgewater Development 

Develop restrooms, shade trees, trails, picnic facilities, 

primitive camping sites, canoe/kayak access sites, boat 

ramps, or other improvements to Black Bear Access Area, 

Linville Access Area, Bridgewater Access Area, and Muddy 

Creek.

Offer North Carolina DENR nominal-cost lease for the term 

of the new license for the Lake James State Park 

management zone along the shoreline adjoining the state 

park, including three islands. 

Develop a 10-acre pocket park near the Linville dam with 

parking facilities, picnic facilities, photographic overlooks, 

and a bank fishing trail.

37 
Rhodhiss Development 

Develop restrooms, parking, a boat ramp, or trails at the 

Corpening Bridge, Sawmills Veterans Park, Rhodhiss 

Access Area, and Castle Bridge Area. 

Evaluate the condition of the existing portage trail and 

signage at the Rhodhiss dam canoe portage and develop 

needed improvements.

Oxford Development 

Develop restrooms, parking, swimming areas, trails, 

canoe/kayak access, primitive campground, or other 

improvements at the Wittenburg Access Area, Dusty Ridge 

Access Area, Lovelady Access Area, Long Shoals Access 

Area, Oxford Access Area, Oxford Tailrace Fishing Area, 

and Oxford dam canoe portage.

Lookout Shoals Development

Develop parking, restrooms, public fishing area, portage trail 

or other improvements at the Upper Lookout Shoals Access 

Area, Riverbend Park/Upper Lookout Shoals Trail, Lookout 

Shoals Access Area, Lookout Shoals Tailrace Fishing Area, 

and Lookout Shoals dam canoe portage.

Cowans Ford Development 

Develop picnic facilities, parking, trails, shade trees, 

swimming areas, portage trail, or other improvements at 

Beatty’s Ford Access Area, Hagers Creek Access Area, 

Stumpy Creek Access Area, Little Creek Access Area, Island 

Point Access Area, and Cowans Ford dam portage and 

overlook. 

Offer North Carolina DENR nominal-cost lease for the term 

of the new license for the Lake Norman State Park 

management zone along the shoreline adjoining the state 

park, including one island.

Mountain Island Development

Develop canoe/kayak access, parking, restrooms, swimming 

area, fishing pier, or other improvements at the Highway 73 

Access Area, Lucia Access Area, Riverbend Access Area, 

and Mountain Island dam canoe portage.

38 
Wylie Development

Develop canoe/kayak access, parking, trails, picnic facilities, 

restrooms, a fishing pier, or other improvements at 

Dutchmans Creek Access Area, South Point Access Area, 

Buster Boyd Access Area, Allison Creek Access Area, Rock 

Hill Park, and Fort Mill Access Area. 

Offer an Access Area Improvement Initiative (AAII) lease of 

the 37-acre island to the U.S. National Whitewater Center for 

individual and group environmental education and outdoor 

recreation programming.

Fishing Creek Development 

Develop parking, picnic facilities, a fishing pier, boat docks, 

bank fishing trail, or other improvements at Springs Park, 

Fishing Creek Access Area, and Fishing Creek Tailrace 

Fishing Area. The existing Cane Creek Access Park will be 

relocated to an 18-acre portion of Springs Park.

Great Falls and Dearborn Developments

Develop canoe/kayak access, restrooms, parking, portage 

trail, or other improvements at the Highway 200 Bridge 

Access Area, Great Falls diversion dam portage, Great Falls 

headworks portage, Great Falls headworks to Cedar Creek 

reservoir portage, and Lower Great Falls reservoir 

canoe/kayak launch. 

Evaluate the safety concerns associated with boating near the 

Great Falls diversion dam, the Great Falls headworks, and 

the Great Falls-Dearborn dam. Determine the need for 

constructing boating safety devices and report conclusions to 

the Commission along with a revised public safety plan if 

necessary.

Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments

Acquire 1 acre of property and develop a canoe/kayak access 

facility with 10 gravel parking spaces at the Mudcat Inn 

Access Area. 

Offer an AAII lease of the islands associated with the Great 

Falls, Dearborn, Rocky Creek, and Cedar Creek 

Developments to South Carolina DPRT to establish and 

maintain a new state park centered on the Dearborn Armory 

site.

39 
Wateree Development

Develop picnic facilities, pier fishing, restrooms, trails, 

parking, swimming area, or other improvements at Wateree 

Creek Access Area, Molly Creek Park, Colonels Creek 

Access Area, Taylors Creek Access Area, and Lugoff Access 

Area. 

Offer South Carolina DENR nominal-cost lease for the term 

of the new license for the Lake Wateree State Park 

management zone along the shoreline adjoining the state 

park. 

REC 15.0 – 

15.1 

Recreation 

Planning 

Review the project’s recreation needs 20 years after the 

issuance of the new license and every 10 years afterwards for 

the term of the new license. File a supplement to the RMP to 

describe any additional activities or facilities to be 

developed, in consultation with North Carolina DENR, 

North Carolina WRC, South Carolina DPRT, and South 

Carolina DNR. 

Provide the following information on the internet: normal 

minimum elevation, normal maximum information, normal 

target elevation, actual reservoir level, recent reservoir level 

history, 13-month reservoir level history, projections, points 

of contact for additional information, and special messages. 

Provide the following information on the telephone: special 

messages and actual levels for each project reservoir via a 

toll-free telephone system. 

Provide the Annual Scheduled Flow Release Calendar on the 

project’s website showing all scheduled flow releases from 

the Bridgewater, Oxford, Wylie, and Wateree Developments 

and into the Great Falls bypassed reaches. 

REC 17.0 – 

17.3 

Public 

Information to 

Support 

Recreational Use 

of the Project 

Provide 2-day flow release forecasts on the website and tollfree telephone system for the Oxford, Wylie, and Wateree 

Developments and the Great Falls bypassed reaches. 

Provide 3-day flow release forecasts on the website and tollfree telephone system for the Bridgewater Development. 

2.2.3.2 Not Proposed License Articles 

The proposed protection and enhancement measures shown in Table 5 are not currently 

license articles, but will be considered for possible inclusion as license articles. 

40 
Table 5. Catawba-Wateree Project (P-2232) not proposed license articles. (Source: Duke 

Energy, 2006a) 

Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

If inflows are sufficient, implement a Spring Stable Flow 

Periods Protocol in the Wateree Development. The applicant 

will endeavor in good faith to provide two 10-day periods of 

stable flow sometime between February 15 and May 15 from 

the Wateree Development, unless operating under the Low 

Inflow Protocol or Maintenance and Emergency Protocol. 

Suspend the Spring Reservoir Level Stabilization Program if 

necessary to provide stable flows. 

Provide South Carolina DNR, FWS, and NOAA Fisheries 

with an annual report documenting flow releases from the 

Wateree Development between February 15 and May 15. 

WQQ 8.3 Wateree Spring 

Stable Flows 

Ten years after the FWQIP modifications are implemented, 

the applicant will consult with FWS, NOAA Fisheries, and 

South Carolina DNR on a proposed license article for the 

Wateree Spring Stable Flow Periods. 

Provide conservation easements on 28.6 bank miles of 

stream in North Carolina and 5.5 bank miles of stream in 

South Carolina in exchange for reduced releases in the 

Oxford, Lookout Shoals, and Wylie regulated river reaches 

and no releases in the Paddy Creek, Mountain Island, and 

WQQ 9.0 Wateree bypassed reaches. Flow Mitigation 

Package 

Within 1 year of issuance of the new license, the applicant 

would provide a one-time contribution of $1 million to South 

Carolina DNR to create the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric 

Project Fish and Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Fund. 

41 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

Prepare a quality assurance project plan as part of any 

section 401 water quality certifications to describe the 

processes and procedures to be used to ensure accuracy of 

water quality data. WQQ 6.1 

Additional Water 

Quality 

Monitoring and 

Compliance 

Report Develop a groundwater monitoring plan for inclusion in the 

Low Inflow Protocol that includes determination of and 

funding for new groundwater wells. 

Initiate interim measures for providing aquatic flow or 

dissolved oxygen enhancement as identified in the FWQIP, 

to be continued until the physical modifications specified in 

the FWQIP are complete. 

WQQ 7.1 

Additional Flow 

and Water 

Quality 

Implementation 

Plan Agreements 

Document any chronic noncompliance with the section 401 

water quality certification in the annual water quality 

compliance report, if it occurs as a result of project 

operations. 

Any entities wishing to close or abandon large water intakes 

within the project will be required to find another entity to 

take over the intake or to file a plan for its removal or 

retirement. 

Any application for the expansion, modification, 

replacement, or addition of water intakes must receive 

comments from the applicant within 90 days of submission. 

All large intake owners must report annually their average 

monthly water withdrawals and returns to the project. The 

applicant will maintain a database of this information. 

WQQ 10.2 Water Use 

Agreements 

Easements and permits will continue to be the mechanism 

for granting approval for the use of project property. 

42 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

Following periods of high inflow between February 1 and 

May 31, the applicant must endeavor in good faith to 

gradually reduce flood plain inundation in the Wateree 

regulated river reach to approximate natural inflow 

conditions until the Lake Wateree water level returns to 1 ft 

above or below the normal target elevation, unless operating 

under Maintenance and Emergency Protocol or Low Inflow 

Protocol. 

WQQ 8.4 Wateree Flood 

Plain Inundation 

Ten years after the FWQIP modifications are implemented, 

the applicant will consult with FWS, NOAA Fisheries, and 

South Carolina DNR on a proposed license article for the 

Wateree flood plain inundation. 

WQQ 19.4 Wateree Flooding 

Contingent upon the issuance of a 50-year license, the 

Wateree dam will be modified to improve the management 

of flooding events by removing a section of existing concrete 

from the dam’s crest and installing a bladder dam of 

sufficient height and length to provide 10,000 cfs of flow 

release capacity with the reservoir at full pond elevation. 

FWBR 11.1 

State Threatened 

and Endangered 

Species 

Protection Plans 

In addition to the species protection plans for threatened and 

endangered species, file species protection plans for the 

following: rocky shoals spider lily; Rafinesque’s big-eared 

bat; mussels—creeper, Eastern floater, paper pondshell, 

Eastern creekshell, notched rainbow, brook floater, rayedpink fatmucket; flat and snail bullheads; robust redhorse; and 

heron rookeries . 

FWBR 11.2 Fish and Wildlife 

Enhancements 

Provide a one-time contribution of $1 million each to North 

Carolina Habitat Enhancement Program (HEP), South 

Carolina HEP, or both, provided that the existing HEP 

memorandum of agreement is extended without modification 

in North Carolina, South Carolina, or both to cover the term 

of the new license. 

43 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

SMP 18.2 

Implementing 

Shoreline 

Management 

Plan and 

Guidelines 

Changes 

File an SMP consisting of shoreline management guidelines 

(SMG) and shoreline classification maps with the applicant’s 

application for a new license for the project. The applicant 

would begin implementing the revised SMP on September 1, 

2006. 

SMP 18.3 SMP Workgroup 

During the first year after issuance of the new license and 

annually for the term of the new license, convene a 

workgroup of interested stakeholders for a status-reviewing 

meeting to discuss implementation of the SMP including 

SMP classification mapping and SMP permitting criteria. 

SMP 18.4 

Evaluation of 

SMG 

Effectiveness 

In the first year after the issuance of the new license, consult 

with the SMP Workgroup, and prepare a basic study 

methodology and list of baseline review parameters with 

which to evaluate the effectiveness of the SMG permitting 

criteria in protecting nearshore and riparian habitats. Nine 

years after the first consultation and every 10 years thereafter 

for the term of the new license, complete the SMG 

effectiveness evaluation as a part of the SMP and RMP 

update cycles. 

SMP 18.5 

Coordination of 

20-year SMG and 

RMP Updates 

Complete the 20-year shoreline classifications map update 

and consider changes to the SMP, pursuant to the proposed 

SMP review and update procedures license article, 

simultaneously with the recreation use and needs assessment 

pursuant to the proposed recreation planning license article. 

SMP 18.6 Memorandum of 

Understanding 

In September 2006, begin contacting the counties shown in 

table 1 of appendix K (memorandum of understanding 

[MOU] between applicant, states, counties, and 

municipalities) of the Revised CRA and the states of North 

and South Carolina with an offer to jointly develop a 

voluntary MOU substantially in the form of the MOU 

template in appendix K. 

44 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

Complete the construction of all public recreation facilities 

required under the Revised CRA during the first 20 years 

following the Commission’s approval of the RMP. 

Negotiate an agreement with North Carolina WRC for the 

maintenance of boat launching, public fishing areas, and 

parking facilities at the applicant’s access areas in North 

Carolina, similar to the existing agreement, which will expire 

on August 31, 2008. 

Evaluate the need and feasibility of including wildlife 

viewing facilities at appropriate applicant-owned public 

access areas. 

Ensure that the shoreline of all applicant-owned access areas 

remains open for bank fishing, except for areas where it is 

restricted for safety reasons, management problems, or to 

avoid conflicts with other access area users. 

Perform a cultural resources field evaluation of any property 

identified for the North Bend Recreation Land, North Access 

Area, Catawba-Linville River Confluence Recreation Land, 

Paddy Creek Recreation Land, or Overmountain Victory 

National Historic Trail prior to its conveyance to the state of 

North Carolina. The evaluation will be performed in 

consultation with the Park Service, Burke County, North 

Carolina SHPO, North Carolina DENR, and North Carolina 

WRC. 

REC 13.1 – 

13.12 

Additional 

Recreation Plan 

Agreements 

Ensure that all applicant-owned islands located on the 

project reservoirs or in the regulated river reaches will 

remain open for the term of the new license for any 

permissible day-use public recreation activity such as 

fishing, picnicking, or hiking, except for islands that are 

specifically designated otherwise, or islands that are 

restricted by state or local public health, safety or law 

enforcement protection, wildlife protection, or islands that 

the applicant determines should be off limits due to issues 

related to cultural resource protection, wildlife protection or 

safety, or security or management concerns. Camping is 

authorized only on specific applicant-owned islands as noted 

in the applicant’s SMG or RMP, or as specifically provided 

45 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

in any AAII lease. 

Provide appropriate signage at applicant-owned access areas 

and trails. 

Ensure that all facilities constructed at the applicant-owned 

access areas comply with Americans with Disabilities Act 

(ADA) requirements. 

A total of 3,450 acres of land owned by Crescent Resources, 

LLC is expected to be purchased by entities other than the 

applicant, with support from Duke Energy in accordance 

with the Revised CRA. These land areas are being 

purchased for public recreation purposes, or for permanent 

land conservation uses, or both. 

All lands identified to be acquired from Crescent Resources, 

LLC by other entities with support from Duke Energy would 

be under purchase option by December 31, 2007, and the 

purchase completed by August 1, 2009. 

File all AAII lease requests for applicant-owned access areas 

that are within the FERC project boundaries with the 

Commission for approval. 

A plan to address waterfowl hunting in the Catawba River in 

the vicinity of the North Bend Recreation Land, North Bend 

Access Area, Catawba-Linville River Confluence Recreation 

Land, and the Paddy Creek Recreation Land has been 

developed by Duke Energy, North Carolina DENR, North 

Carolina WRC, and North Carolina WF.

46 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

Bridgewater Development

Support efforts by McDowell County to obtain trail 

easements to connect the Black Bear Access Area to the 

Lake James Loop Trail, and provide $500,000 to either 

Burke County or North Carolina DENR to construct up to 

5 miles of the Lake James Loop Trail. 

Transfer or cause to be transferred 550 acres of property 

adjoining the Bridgewater regulated river reach, 420 acres 

adjoining the Catawba River downstream of the Bridgewater 

Development, and 275 acres downstream of the Paddy Creek 

and Linville dams to North Carolina DENR for public 

recreation and permanent conservation.

Transfer 10 acres of property at the second Powerhouse 

Road bridge to North Carolina WRC.

Provide up to $225,000 to North Carolina WRC, $125,000 to 

the city of Morganton, $600,000 to Burke County or North 

Carolina DENR, and $65,000 to the town of Glen Alpine to 

develop and maintain various recreational improvements, 

including a trailered boat access, fishing area, parking area, 

and a section of the Overmountain Victory National Historic 

Trail.

Rhodhiss Development

Acquire 50 to 100 acres of land along Wilson Creek and 

offer it to Caldwell County through the AAII. If leased, 

develop bank fishing and picnic facilities, and fund the 

installation of a USGS streamflow gage on Wilson Creek if 

the County agrees to pay for annual maintenance. 

Provide $125,000 to Caldwell County to develop 

recreational enhancements.

REC 14.0 

Recreation 

Facility 

Enhancements 

Support the acquisition of up to 2,882 acres of property by 

the Foothills Conservancy or North Carolina WRC for public 

recreation and permanent conservation.

47 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

Lookout Shoals Development

Provide up to $220,000 to Catawba County or North 

Carolina DENR to support easement, acquisition, and 

development of a 50-ft-wide, 1.5-mile-long trail between 

Catawba County’s Riverbend Park and the new Upper 

Shoals Access Area. 

Cowans Ford Development

Offer an AAII lease to the town of Catawba or other public 

entity for property on the south side of Lyle Creek near 

Hunsucker Park. If the lease is accepted, develop picnic 

facilities, trail, boat access, and parking. 

Support Catawba County’s acquisition of up to 600 acres of 

property at the mouth of Mountain Creek. If the property is 

not acquired by the County, the applicant will acquire 20 to 

30 acres and develop recreational enhancements including 

restrooms, fishing pier, and parking. 

Provide technical assistance to facilitate bicycle route 

crossings of the FERC project boundaries and use of the 

applicant’s access areas along the proposed Lake Norman 

bike route.

Provide $130,000 each to the town of Davidson to develop 

recreational enhancements including canoe/kayak launches 

and fishing piers.

Mountain Island Development 

Provide trails, planning, and assistance to state and local 

governments to connect existing multi-use trail systems in 

the vicinity of Mountain Island Lake.

48 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

Wylie Development

Provide $435,000 to Mecklenburg, North Carolina, $165,000 

to CIN THPO, and $265,000 to South Carolina DPRT for the 

development of recreational enhancements, including 

parking areas and canoe/kayak access. 

Offer AAII leases or other leases to York County and South 

Carolina DPRT for various small parcels of land for marine 

law enforcement, sections of trail (to be developed), a 

recreational vehicle park, and additions to Landsford Canal 

State Park.

Retain ownership of Simpson Island for the term of the new 

license. If York County acquires and develops a park on 

land adjoining the island, offer an AAII lease and provide up 

to $265,000 to York County for recreational enhancements 

on the land adjoining the island.

Fishing Creek Development

Provide up to $215,000 to an entity that will provide 1 to 

5 acres of suitable property for a new trailered boat access 

area near the existing Highway 9 Access Area.

Rocky Creek and Cedar Creek Developments

Provide up to $1 million to support the development and 

management of the new state park on Dearborn Island if 

South Carolina DPRT enters into an AAII lease for the Great 

Falls and Cedar Creek Islands. Also offer a nominal-cost 

lease with South Carolina DPRT for the Great Falls/Heritage 

Tract complex lake management zone. 

Wateree Development 

Provide up to $900,000 to Kershaw County or other 

governmental entities to construct boat ramps, parking, and a 

swimming area on the east side of Lake Wateree. 

Transfer 800 acres of land adjoining the Heritage Tract to 

South Carolina DNR for public recreation and permanent 

conservation. 

49 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

REC 17.4 – 

17.9 

Additional Public 

Information 

Provide the following information in addition to that 

proposed in the public information license article: 

explanation that reservoir levels can vary depending on the 

location on the reservoir; deviations in reservoir level other 

than those described in the Low Inflow Protocol and 

Maintenance And Emergency Protocol; updates to the nearterm flow forecast; frequently updated approximate times for 

flow release arrival and recession at Watermill Road Access 

Area, Morganton Greenway, Rock Hill River Park, Catawba 

Indian Reservation, Landsford Canal State Park, and 

Highway 1/Highway 601 Landing; links to USGS websites 

for applicable streamflow gages and groundwater monitoring 

wells; and adjustment of available data when operating under 

Low Inflow Protocol or Maintenance and Emergency 

Protocol. 

REC 17.10 

Additional Public 

Recreational 

Facility 

Information 

Provide information to the public to support safe and 

effective use of public recreation facilities at the project, 

including signage at project access areas. Information will 

include maps, descriptions, schedules, safety messages, 

contact information, and links to weather service and state 

resource agency fishing, hunting, and boating regulations 

websites. 

REC 17.11 Historic Canoe 

Trail Map 

Develop a historic canoe trail map of the South Carolina 

portion of the Catawba River in consultation with CIN 

THPO, South Carolina DPRT, South Carolina DAH, local 

governments, and others. 

50 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

Provide public information in English and universal signage 

unless otherwise specified. 

Provide annual media advisory for newspapers to promote 

public awareness of the project website and toll-free phone 

line. 

Make biennial recreational activities status reports and FERC 

Form 80 reports available on the applicant’s website. 

Make meeting summaries for the Catawba-Wateree Drought 

Management Advisory Group available on the website. 

REC 17.12 

– 17.16 

Miscellaneous 

Requirements 

At least every 5 years, review use of phone and web-based 

communication to determine if new, commonly accepted, 

reliable, and cost-effective technologies should be added or 

replace communications tools. 

REC 17.17 Emergency 

Notification 

Provide links with advisory topic titles to local and state 

government and marine commission websites that provide 

advisories related to reservoir or river-related issues, when 

requested. 

Maintain appropriate warning devices for project structures, 

in accordance with its FERC public safety plans. Plans may 

be modified from time to time throughout the term of the 

new license. 

Install signage written in Spanish in the tailrace areas 

warning of the potential for rapidly rising water. 

Modify existing horns or install new horns at the 

Bridgewater and Oxford Developments to improve warnings 

of changes in river flow due to hydro station operation. 

REC 17.18 

– 17.23 

Enhancements to 

the FERC Public 

Safety Plans 

Fund, install, and maintain the warning system in the vicinity 

of Catawba County’s Riverbend Park as part of the FERC 

public safety plan. Consult with the park staff, revise its 

public safety plan, and submit it to the Commission for 

approval, prior to making physical changes. 

51 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

Revise public safety plans to incorporate Spanish signage 

and warning system improvements at the Bridgewater and 

Oxford Developments and submit to the Commission for 

approval. 

Design and install all signage at project access areas 

consistent with the applicant’s Access Area Signage Program 

Guidelines. 

Provide $4 million to North Carolina WRC, North Carolina 

DENR, or both to support purchase of agency-selected land 

in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin for public recreation, 

gamelands, or compatible permanent conservation. 

REC 19.0 

Land 

Conservation 

Support Provide $5.32 million to South Carolina DNR or South 

Carolina DPRT to support the purchase of agency-selected 

land in the Catawba-Wateree River Basin for public 

recreation, game management, or compatible permanent 

conservation. 

REC 19.1 Facility 

Exclusion Zones 

North Carolina WRC and South Carolina DNR will jointly 

evaluate each of the project dams and powerhouses to 

consider the user safety and project security issues associated 

with public use of the area in the immediate vicinity of these 

structures. The evaluation will determine where suitable 

exclusion zones within all or a portion of this area at each 

location can be developed to improve recreational safety and 

security. 

REC 19.2 Trash and Debris 

Management 

Minimize the amount of non-biodegradable trash and large 

woody floating debris in project reservoirs by sponsoring an 

annual cleanup event, installing a trashrake at Fishing Creek 

Development, and ensuring that non-biodegradable trash and 

large woody debris are disposed properly. 

REC 19.3 Aquatic Weed 

Management 

Work cooperatively with partners to manage invasive aquatic 

weeds in project reservoirs by providing scientific and 

technical assistance. 

52 
Article 

Proposed 

in Revised 

CRA 

Measure Elements 

Establish permanent conservation easements on the roughly 

12.5 total bank miles of selected tributaries to the Johns 

River and contribute an additional $1.5 million for land 

conservation. 

Establish permanent conservation easements on 5.5 bank 

miles of selected portions of McDowell Creek, Cedar Creek, 

and Rocky Creek and their tributaries, and contribute an 

additional $1.5 million for land conservation. Establish 

permanent conservation easements, restrictive covenants, or 

a combination of the two for 4.7 miles on the east shoreline 

of Lake Wateree. 

REC 19.4 

Additional 

Resource 

Enhancements in 

the Event of a 

50-Year License 

Modify Lake Wateree dam to improve its ability to manage 

flooding events by removing a portion of the existing 

concrete from the dam’s crest and installing a bladder dam. 

If the dam modification does not occur, distribute $4 million 

between the HEP fund and the Catawba-Wateree Basin 

Water Management Group fund. 

2.2.4 Proposed Project Boundaries 

Under the new license, Duke Energy proposes to include all of the existing and proposed 

project-related recreation areas in the project boundary for the Catawba-Wateree Project. The 

proposed boundary would include all of the facilities located within the project-related recreation 

areas as shown on the recreation area maps filed on October 20, 2006, in the Revised CRA. 

Tiles 1 through 10 of the Catawba-Wateree Public Recreation Amenities and Other Key Land 

Areas show the locations of these recreational facilities. 

2.3 MODIFICATIONS TO THE APPLICANT’S PROPOSAL 

2.3.1 Mandatory Conditions 

2.3.1.1 Water Quality Certification 

Under section 401 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. §1341), the Commission may not 

issue a license for a hydroelectric project unless the state certifying agency has either issued a 

water quality certification for the project or has waived certification by failing to act on a request 

for certification within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed 1 year. Duke Energy filed a 

request for certification with North Carolina DWQ and South Carolina DHEC on June 6, 2008. 

53 
2.3.1.2 Section 18 Agency Fishway Prescriptions 

Section 18 of the FPA states that the Commission shall require the construction, 

maintenance, and operation by a license of such fishways as the Secretaries of NOAA Fisheries 

and Interior may prescribe. 

FWS provided preliminary fishway prescriptions by letter filed on June 4, 2008, for the 

Catawba-Wateree Project pursuant to section 18 of the FPA. FWS reserves the authority to 

prescribe fishways for existing riverine fish species, any fish species (including American shad, 

blueback herring, American eel, shortnose sturgeon, and Atlantic sturgeon) to be managed, 

enhanced, protected, or restored in the Santee River Basin during the term of the license. 

FWS developed the preliminary prescription for fishways in collaboration with the 

applicant. FWS and the applicant entered a settlement agreement know as the Santee River 

Basin Accord on April 9, 2008. The accord is a collaboration among utilities with licensed 

hydroelectric projects and federal and state natural resource agencies to address diadromous fish 

protection, restoration, and enhancement in the Santee River Basin. FWS states that the 

prescription for fishways, the Santee River Basin Accord, and the Santee-Cooper Basin 

Diadromous Fish Passage Restoration Plan (2001) are consistent, complementary, and mutually 

supportive. Activities developed in the accord are contained in a diadromous fish restoration 

plan that will enhance fishway prescription measures employed to restore diadromous fish 

species in the Santee River Basin. Included in the diadromous fish restoration plan are fish 

passage measures, enhancement activities, and supporting studies to be accomplished during the 

term of the new license. Target species include American shad, blueback herring, and American 

eel. Implementation of the diadromous fish restoration plan will be supported by FWS, South 

Carolina DNR, North Carolina WRC, and a technical committee. 

In a letter dated June 5, 2008, NOAA Fisheries reserved its authority under section 18 of 

the FPA, as amended, to prescribe fishways, or such additional fishways, or to modify existing 

fishways at those locations and at such times as it may subsequently determine are necessary to 

provide for safe, timely, and effective upstream passage of diadromous fish through CatawbaWateree Project facilities. 

2.3.1.3 Section 18 Applicant’s Alternative Fishways Prescriptions 

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides parties to the Catawba-Wateree relicensing 

proceeding the opportunity to propose alternatives to preliminary prescriptions. 

The applicant presented alternative designs and approaches to fish passage at the 

Catawba-Wateree Project in their document Fish Passage Assessment, January (2005). 

Alternatives designs and approaches presented by the applicant were reviewed and considered by 

FWS during the development of the preliminary prescriptions that were filed on June 4, 2008. 

2.3.1.4 Endangered Species Act 

Section 7 of the ESA requires federal agencies to ensure that their actions are not likely to 

jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species, or cause the destruction 

or adverse modification of the critical habitat of such species. FWS lists several species known 

to occur or potentially occurring within the Catawba-Wateree Project area that are federally 

listed as endangered or threatened and, therefore, protected under the ESA. Species protection 

plans for these species have been written or updated and would be implemented within 60 days 

of the issuance of the license for the Catawba-Wateree Project. The species protection plans 

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have specific methods for monitoring each species, and determination of the effectiveness of 

management and conservation measures proposed for each species, including annual 

communication and consultation with the appropriate state and federal agencies. Our analysis of 

Catawba-Wateree Project effects on these species are presented in section 3.3.5, Threatened and 

Endangered Species. 

2.3.2 Other Recommendations by Agencies and Interested Parties 

2.3.2.1 Section 10(j) Recommendations 

Under the provisions of section 10(j) of the FPA, each hydroelectric license issued by the 

Commission must include conditions based on recommendations provided by federal and state 

fish and wildlife agencies for the protection, mitigation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife 

resources affected by the project’s operations. Additionally, section 10(j) states that, whenever 

the Commission concludes that any fish and wildlife agency recommendation is inconsistent 

with the purpose and the requirements of the FPA or other applicable laws, the Commission and 

agency must attempt to resolve any such inconsistency, giving weight to the recommendations, 

expertise, and statutory responsibility of the agency. 

NOAA Fisheries included 10(j) recommendations in their comments in response to the 

Commission’s ready for environmental analysis notice issued on April 7, 2008. NOAA Fisheries 

thinks the following recommendations are necessary: low inflow protocol; maintenance and 

emergency protocol; flow and water quality implementation plan; minimum flows for aquatic 

habitat; and the establishment of a Catawba-Wateree Project Fisheries Technical Committee and 

annual coordination meetings. Details of these proposed mitigation and enhancement (PM&E) 

measures are located in section 5.0, Conclusions and Recommendations, which summarizes our 

recommendations for adoption under the staff alternative. 

North Carolina WRC filed comments and recommendations pursuant to section 10(j) of 

the FPA stating that they recommend the following specific proposed license articles found in 

appendix A of the Revised CRA as their terms and conditions: reservoir elevations; Spring 

Reservoir Level Stabilization Program; minimum flows; flow and water quality implementation 

plan; Low Inflow Protocol for the Catawba-Wateree Project; Maintenance and Emergency 

Protocol for the Catawba-Wateree Project; water quality monitoring plan; flow and reservoir 

elevation monitoring; funding for USGS streamflow gages; federal threatened and endangered 

species protection plans; SMP; and SMP review and update procedures. Detail of the PM&E 

measures are located in section 5.0, Conclusions and Recommendations, which summarizes our 

recommendation for adoption under the staff alternative. 

2.3.3 Staff’s Modification to the Proposed Actions 

After evaluating the proposed actions, including the terms, conditions, and 

recommendations filed by agencies and interested parties under sections 10(a), 10(j), and 18 of 

the FPA, we considered what, if any, additional measures would be necessary or appropriate for 

the continued operation of the Catawba-Wateree Project. In addition to the applicant’s proposed 

project-related environmental measures, we evaluate the following staff-identified measures for 

the Catawba-Wateree Project: 

• install a bladder dam modification at Wateree dam designed as recommended in the 

Revised CRA; 

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• achieve normal target elevations and maintain reservoir levels within newly 

established normal minimum and normal maximum elevations unless operating in the 

Low Inflow Protocol or the Maintenance and Emergency Protocol to be implemented 

within 60 days of the issuance of a new license; 

• add NOAA Fisheries and FWS as consultants for the Drought Management Advisory 

Group; 

• consult with NOAA Fisheries on Maintenance and Emergency Protocol 

implementation; 

• implement ramping during the increase and decrease in recreational flow releases 

within the time period of the scheduled recreational flows to minimize the risk to 

aquatic resources; 

• establish an advisory group in which representatives of Duke Energy consult with 

federal and state resource managers and other stakeholders to evaluate and 

recommend appropriate mitigation for fish losses resulting from abnormal conditions; 

• develop and implement a terrestrial invasive plant species management plan for 

Catawba-Wateree Project lands within the development boundaries in consultation 

from applicable agencies. The management plan would provide for (a) baseline 

inventory; (b) management and control for invasive terrestrial species threatening 

special status and rare, threatened, and endangered (RTE) species; (c) control 

recommendations; and (d) periodic review and consultation; 

• reassess the Cowans Ford Development for eligibility for listing on the National 

Register when the development reaches 50 years of age. The reassessment would 

occur as part of the process of review for the HPMP; 

• provide two additional recreational enhancements that would be included in the 

project boundary and in the RMP: (1) East Wateree Access, and (2) Lake Cornelius 

Access 

• consult with FWS, state agencies, and other stakeholders to evaluate feasibility and 

locations for placement of wildlife viewing platforms at recreation access sites and 

file a plan within 1 year of license issuance for implementation; 

• include all Duke Energy-owned islands that serve a project purpose or are affected by 

the project within the project boundary; 

• expand the project boundary at all Duke Energy-owned recreation access areas to 

include any adjacent bank fishing areas provided by Duke Energy, except those 

minimal shoreline areas where bank fishing is restricted; 

• provide public information related to river flow as a web page or other electronic 

broadcast format in a manner that provides the most up-to-date information possible; 

and 

• revise public safety plans, while considering the need for warning devices; Spanish, 

English, and universal language signage; and facility exclusion zones. 

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2.4 OTHER ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED BUT ELIMINATED FROM 

DETAILED STUDY 

2.4.1 Federal Government Takeover 

We do not consider federal takeover to be a reasonable alternative for the CatawbaWateree Project. Federal takeover of the Catawba-Wateree Project would require Congressional 

approval. While that fact alone would not preclude further consideration of this alternative, there 

is currently no evidence showing that a federal takeover should be recommended to Congress. 

No federal agency has suggested that federal takeover would be appropriate, and no federal 

agency has expressed an interest in operating the Catawba-Wateree Project. 

2.4.2 Non-power License 

A non-power license is a temporary license the Commission would terminate whenever it 

determines that another governmental agency will assume regulatory authority and supervision 

over the lands and facilities covered by the non-power license. At this time, no agency has 

suggested a willingness or ability to do so. No party has recommended a non-power license for 

the Catawba-Wateree Project, and we have no basis for concluding that the project should no 

longer be used to generate power. Thus, we do not consider a non-power license a realistic 

alternative to relicensing in this circumstance. 

2.4.3 Project Retirement 

Project retirement could be accomplished with or without dam removal. Either 

alternative would require denying the relicense application and surrender or termination of the 

existing license with appropriate conditions. The Catawba-Wateree Project provides a viable, 

safe, and clean renewable source of power to the region. Catawba-Wateree Project retirement 

would remove this source of power. No party has suggested project retirement, and we have no 

basis for recommending it. Therefore, project retirement is not a reasonable alternative to the 

relicensing of the Catawba-Wateree Project with the appropriate enhancement measures. 

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