 |
|
|
Hydropower - Environmental Impact Statements (EISs)
Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Santee Cooper Hydroelectric Project located in Berkeley, Calhoun, Clarendon, Orangeburg, and Sumpter Counties, South Carolina. (Project No. 199-205)
Issued: October 26, 2007
The FEIS addresses the impacts of two hydroelectric developments of the Santee Cooper Hydroelectric Project. The applicant for relicense is South Carolina Public Service Authority (SCPSA).
On May 24, 2007, 2007 SCPSA submitted a settlement agreement with proposed environmental protection, mitigation and enhancement measures which replaces the proposed action in the license application. FERC staff considered what, if any, modifications to SCPSA's proposed action would be necessary or appropriate with the continued operation of the project. Staff is recommending for license many of the measures in the settlement agreement with some modifications. Enhancement measures include: changes in reservoir operations and project flows; improvements to recreation facilities and developing a recreation plan; developing management plans for protected species; and providing for fish passage and protection at the project. Staff did not recommend enhancement measures that are not project related; nor funding or implementation of enhancement measures as yet uncertain or unidentified.
Staff concludes that relicensing of the Santee Cooper Hydroelectric Project, as proposed with staff modification, would be best adapted to a comprehensive plan for the future use of the Santee and Cooper rivers while ensuring the protection and enhancement of environmental resources.
|
|
|
|
|
