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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Amends Non-Project Use of Project Lands and Waters at Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a delegated order, 192 FERC P 62,051, amending the non-project use of project lands and waters at the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project No. 2232. The order authorizes Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC to remove a boathouse from the structures authorized in the 2022 Order Modifying and Approving Non-Project Use of Project Land and Waters. The boathouse is used by law enforcement and emergency management agencies to house watercraft and its removal will allow Duke Energy to permit future requests for modification, maintenance, or replacement of the facility consistent with the project's Shoreline Management Plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FERC order amends the 2022 Order Modifying and Approving Non-Project Use of Project Land and Waters, issued on September 19, 2022 (2022 Order).
  • The order authorizes Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC to remove the boathouse from the structures authorized in the 2022 Order.
  • The boathouse is used by law enforcement and emergency management agencies, and its removal will allow Duke Energy to permit future requests for modification, maintenance, or replacement of the facility consistent with the project's Shoreline Management Plan.
  • The project includes 11 developments located on the Catawba and Wateree rivers in several counties in North Carolina and South Carolina.
  • The Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project No. 2232 is a hydroelectric project licensed by the FERC, with Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC as the licensee.
  • The project's Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) outlines guidelines for the management and protection of the project's shoreline and waters.
  • The SMP requires that any non-project use and occupancy of project lands and waters be consistent with the purposes of the project, including public recreation and resource protection.
  • The FERC order is effective immediately, and any party may file a request for rehearing within 30 days from the date of its issuance.

Statistics:

  • 11 developments are located on the Catawba and Wateree rivers in Burke, McDowell, Caldwell, Catawba, Alexander, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Lincoln, and Gaston counties, North Carolina, and York, Lancaster, Chester, Fairfield, and Kershaw counties, South Carolina.
  • 7 watercraft are moored at the enclosed boathouse at McDowell Nature Preserve.
  • 3 fishing/observation piers are authorized at McDowell Nature Preserve.
  • The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department uses the boathouse for its watercraft.
  • The boathouse removal will allow Duke Energy to permit future requests for modification, maintenance, or replacement of the facility consistent with other law enforcement or emergency management facilities.

Sources:

  • Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, 192 FERC P 62,051, "Delegated Order: 192 FERC P 62,051 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC Project No. 2232-840 ORDER AMENDING NON-PROJECT USE OF PROJECT LANDS AND WATERS (Issued July 29, 2025)"
  • 2022 Order Modifying and Approving Non-Project Use of Project Land and Waters, issued on September 19, 2022 (180 FERC P 62,150)
  • Shoreline Management Plan (SMP), as outlined in Order Modifying and Approving Updated Shoreline Management Plan (159 FERC P 62, 177), issued May 17, 2017.

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