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United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

Temporary Closure of Oxford Dam Canoe Portage due to Construction

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, the Licensee for the Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project No. 2232, has notified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) of the temporary closure of the Oxford Dam Canoe Portage to facilitate the Oxford Spillway Life Extension Project. The closure is necessary due to direct construction impacts on recreation facilities and public safety concerns. The canoe portage, located on Highway 16 North in Catawba County, North Carolina, will be closed from August 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Oxford Dam Canoe Portage will be temporarily closed for approximately 2.5 years, starting on August 1, 2025, to facilitate the Oxford Spillway Life Extension Project.
  • The closure is necessary due to direct construction impacts on recreation facilities and public safety concerns.
  • Duke Energy has notified the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Catawba County, and the public of the temporary closure through the Duke Energy Water Access Alerts website and Lake View mobile app.
  • Physical barriers, including fencing, will be installed around the construction zone, and signage will be implemented to inform the public of the closure.
  • Duke Energy has evaluated alternatives for the canoe portage but determined no feasible options existed due to the extent of the construction area and associated public safety risks.
  • Brett Hartis, Senior Project Manager, is the contact person for questions regarding the notification, and can be reached at Ethan.Pardue@Duke-Energy.com or 704-382-8308.

Statistics:

  • The Oxford Dam Canoe Portage will be closed for approximately 2.5 years, from August 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.
  • The Oxford Spillway Life Extension Project will suspend canoe portage operations.
  • 0.3 miles of portage trail will be affected by the closure.
  • The canoe portage area will be utilized for offices, employee parking, equipment staging, and materials management during the project.

Sources:

  • Letter to Debbie-Anne Reese, Secretary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, from Brett Hartis, Senior Project Manager, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, May 3, 2024.
  • FERC-approved Catawba-Wateree Recreation Management Plan, Section 2.5.5.1, Temporary, Seasonal, or Routine Closures of Public Recreation Sites.
  • Oxford final design package submitted to FERC's Division of Hydropower Administration and Compliance.

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