FERC Licensing & RelicensingCatawba-Wateree Project, 790 MW, Duke PowerDevine Tarbell and Associates (DTA) has been retained by Duke Power as the lead consultant for the relicensing of the Catawba Wateree Project. The Catawba-Wateree Project includes eleven reservoirs and thirteen powerhouses in fourteen counties in North Carolina and South Carolina. The project is licensed by FERC with the current license expiring on August 31, 2008. Duke Power is utilizing an enhanced Traditional Licensing Process (TLP) for the relicensing of the Catawba-Wateree Project. DTA’s responsibilities and contributions to this relicensing range from strategic planning to agency consultation, study plan development/execution and now preparation of the draft and final license applications. DTA was integrally involved in the development of study plans for the thirty-two resource studies. DTA has lead responsibility for the execution of the studies through a combination of self-performance, sub-contractor management and licensee staff resources. Critical studies include fisheries, water quality, land use, shoreline management, endangered species, terrestrial and wetlands resources, water supply, instream flow and recreation. DTA scientists and engineers have performed field work associated with several studies including reservoir and tailrace water quality, instream flow (IFIM), wetlands, migratory birds, fish passage evaluation and floodplain evaluation. The CHEOPS operations simulation model developed by DTA is being utilized to assess the impact of flow and lake level scenarios on power generation and water supply. DTA is currently preparing study reports for resource studies it performed, as well as assisting in the management and review of reports prepared by other entities. DTA staff is conducting study results presentations for resource agencies, technical resource teams and stakeholder teams. Additional specialized modeling includes PHABSIM for IFIM, CE-QUAL for reservoir water quality and RMS4 for riverine water quality. DTA has also performed engineering studies to support licensing decision-making including diadromous fish passage assessments and minimum flow release alternatives. The complete License Application preparation is being led by DTA. This includes extensive GIS mapping and preparation of Exhibit G drawings consistent with the new FERC regulations. Server and web-based tools are being utilized to allow document review and input from the licensee staff and stakeholders.
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