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Independent regulatory commissions

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Correspondence on Raeford Hydroelectric Project Surrender Application

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a correspondence with government agencies regarding the surrender application of the Raeford Hydroelectric Project, P-6619. The letter, dated May 23, 2025, was sent to Julie Smith, State Historic Preservation Officer, North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. The correspondence regards Lake Upchurch Dam Preservation Association's (LUDPA) application to surrender its exemption for the Raeford Hydroelectric Project, filed on September 23, 2024. The project is located on Rockfish Creek, in Cumberland County, North Carolina, and is no longer generating electricity. The exemption for the project was issued on October 22, 1982. FERC is requesting comments on its adverse effect determination and recommendation for no mitigation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Raeford Hydroelectric Project, P-6619, is a 0.560-megawatt hydroelectric project located on Rockfish Creek in Cumberland County, North Carolina.
  • The project was exempted on October 22, 1982, and operated in a run-of-river mode.
  • LUDPA filed an application to surrender the exemption for the project on September 23, 2024, and submitted documentation for agency consultation on November 19, 2024.
  • The proposed actions for decommissioning the project include removing electrical connections to generators and the electrical substation to prevent future generation.
  • No significant modifications to the existing dam, buildings, or structures, and no ground-disturbing activities are proposed.
  • FERC has identified the area of potential effect (APE) for this undertaking to include the area around the project dam and powerhouse.
  • Commission staff finds that approval of the surrender would not result in any adverse effects on archaeological or historic resources.
  • Comments on the adverse effect determination and recommendation for no mitigation are requested within 30 days.

Statistics:

  • The project is a 0.560-megawatt hydroelectric project.
  • The project was exempted on October 22, 1982.
  • The proposed actions for decommissioning the project include removing electrical connections to generators and the electrical substation.
  • The area of potential effect (APE) for this undertaking includes the area around the project dam and powerhouse.
  • The Commission has received no comments, motions to intervene, or protests in response to the Commission's notice.

Sources:

  • "Raeford Hydroelectric Project," Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, May 23, 2025.
  • "Surrender of Exemption, Raeford Hydroelectric Project, P-6619," FERC Service and Electronic Mail, May 23, 2025.
  • "Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act," 54 U.S.C. § 306108.
  • "36 C.F.R. pt. 800 (2021)."

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