FERC Approves Temporary Variance for Dominion Energy's Parr Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a final environmental assessment for the Parr Hydroelectric Project No. 1894, paving the way for Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc. to extend its seasonal turbine venting period through October 31, 2025. The project, located on the Broad River in Newberry and Fairfield counties in South Carolina, is seeking to increase dissolved oxygen levels downstream of the Parr Shoals Dam. FERC's environmental assessment concludes that the proposed variance, with appropriate environmental protections, would not constitute a major federal action affecting the quality of the human environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Parr Hydroelectric Project No. 1894, located on the Broad River in South Carolina, is seeking to extend its seasonal turbine venting period through October 31, 2025.
  • The project's Turbine Venting Plan requires venting annually between June 15 and August 31 to increase dissolved oxygen levels downstream of the Parr Shoals Dam.
  • FERC's environmental assessment analyzed the potential environmental effects of the proposed temporary variance, including alternatives to the proposed action.
  • The assessment concludes that the proposed variance, with appropriate environmental protections, would not constitute a major US federal action affecting the quality of the human environment.
  • Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc. submitted an application for a temporary variance to its seasonal turbine venting period requirements under the project license.
  • Article 401(b) of the project license requires an extension exceeding 30 days to be approved by FERC.
  • The final environmental assessment is available on FERC's website (http://www.ferc.gov/).

Statistics:

  • The project is located on the Broad River in Newberry and Fairfield counties in South Carolina.
  • The project's Turbine Venting Plan requires venting annually between June 15 and August 31.
  • The proposed/variance is set to end on October 31, 2025.

Sources:

  • FERC's website (http://www.ferc.gov/)
  • Targeted News Service (Jaymar Talang)
  • Federal Register (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/11/2025-17572/dominion-energy-south-carolina-inc-notice-of-availability-of-final-environmental-assessment)