20080915 Ver 2_WRC Comments_20110225

0 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Gordon S. Myers, Executive Director
February 25, 2011
Via E-M ail
Mr. Hugh Barwick
Duke Energy Carolinas
hugh.barwickL?duke-energy.com
Subject: Application for Non-Capacity License Amendment
Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 2232
Dear Mr. Barwick:
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has reviewed your letter of
February 16, 2011 requesting our comments on Duke Energy's Draft Application for a Non-
Capacity Amendment for the Catawba-Wateree Project (Project). The amendment would consist
of a change to the authorized installed capacity due to the replacement of the existing
Bridgewater powerhouse. The powerhouse replacement is part of the seismic dam safety
remediation project required by the FERC, which is a separate process from the relicensing of
the Project. It was anticipated that a new license would have been issued prior to the
replacement of the Bridgewater powerhouse. The proposed amendment is now required because
it appears that the powerhouse replacement will occur under the terms of the existing license.
The NCWRC has been involved throughout the Catawba-Wateree relicensing and in additional
discussions with Duke Energy and others regarding the Bridgewater powerhouse replacement.
The NCWRC is a party to the Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement (CRA) for the Project,
which includes plans to install a new Bridgewater powerhouse with additional capacity. The
NCWRC supports the proposed amendment, as it is consistent with the terms of CRA.
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on this proposal. If you have any questions
concerning these comments, please call me at 828-652-4360 ext. 223.
Sincerely,
Christopher Goudreau
Hydropower Licensing Coordinator
M ailing Address: 645 Fish Hatchery Road - Marion, NC 27652
Telephone: [phone] - Fax: [phone]