Published: Wednesday, Aug. 05, 2009 / Updated: Wednesday, Aug. 05, 2009 09:06 PM
The Catawba-Wateree River is a vital public resource
Water is a vital public resource that must be wisely managed and shared to sustain the Catawba-Wateree River's ecology and ensure the region's continued economic growth.
For more than 100 years, Duke Energy has harnessed the power of the Catawba-Wateree River to provide affordable and reliable electricity to its customers in the Carolinas.
In May 2009, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control's (SCDHEC) technical staff completed a yearlong, scientific analysis of Duke Energy's proposal to operate its Catawba-Wateree river hydroelectric system under a pending, new license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). FERC requires affected states to certify that proposed operations will meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act to protect water quality and public use. The SCDHEC technical staff issued a water quality certification to Duke Energy, confirming the company's operating plan met state water quality requirements. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued the same certification in November 2008.
During the July 9 final review of the SCDHEC staff decision, both SCDHEC and the S.C. Department of Natural Resources spoke in support of the water quality certification. Despite this strong support, South Carolina's Attorney General Henry McMaster insisted that the certification should not be approved. Attorney General McMaster argued against approval because he believes it would conflict with his U.S. Supreme Court case against North Carolina over the equitable apportionment of water flowing into the Catawba-Wateree River. The DHEC board denied the water quality certification.
Duke Energy is involved in this Supreme Court case to protect the Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement, created in partnership with local, state and federal environmental agencies, the recreation and environmental communities, adjoining property owners and private citizens. The relicensing agreement represents a balanced approach to water management along the Catawba-Wateree basin.
For example, Duke Energy currently releases all water (not 25 percent as some have stated) that reaches Wylie Dam into the Catawba River in South Carolina. Presently, our water releases are highest during parts of a typical day when one or more hydroelectric turbines are operating. As part of the relicensing agreement reached with other stakeholders, Duke Energy will invest millions in our dams and hydroelectric stations to release continuous flows for the benefit of aquatic life. These continuous releases of water will be quite large, including approximately 8,250 gallons per second at the Wylie Dam. Once our new license is granted and implemented, base flows in South Carolina will be greatly enhanced above current conditions.
During the relicensing process, decisions were based on sound scientific study and proven modeling techniques, with extensive participation from local, state and federal agencies. The regional water management programs, provided in the relicensing agreement, add unprecedented value to the usefulness and resiliency of the river basin's water supply, protecting the river's ecology, while supporting economic growth.
We respect the attorney general's right to do what he feels necessary to advance his case in court. However, Duke Energy has an obligation under state law to provide reliable power for a growing population. With 45 percent of our generating capacity in the Carolinas depending on the Catawba-Wateree River and lake system, relicensing should proceed, and not wait on a Supreme Court case that could take many years to resolve.
The Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement was signed by 70 organizations from North Carolina and South Carolina that depend on the river and lake system, and has regional cooperation at its core -- a much more durable foundation than one based on lawsuits and politics.
Brett Carter is president of Duke Energy Carolinas.
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