20030179 Ver 6_Public Comments_20071025

~ North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
October 25, 2007
Via Email
Mr. John Dorney
North Carolina Division of Water Quality
Mail Service Center 1650
Raleigh, NC 27699-1650
Subject: 401 Water Quality Certification -Removal of Dillsboro Dam
Jackson County, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Dorney:
This correspondence is in reference to the August 10, 2007 public notice by the North Carolina
Division of Water Quality requesting public comment on the proposed removal of Dillsboro
Dam by Duke Energy. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is
authorized to comment and make recommendations regarding impacts on wildlife and fisheries
resources in accordance with provisions of the Federal Power Act (16 U.S.C. 791a et seq.) and
the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.).
In general, dam removals can result in both positive and negative environmental effects. In the
case of the Dillsboro dam, removal will convert approximately 0.9 miles of impounded water to
riverine conditions, and increase the unobstructed river reach above Lake Fontana from 19.8
miles to 29.3 miles. These changes in habitat conditions are expected to increase the diversity
and abundance of aquatic organisms in the footprint of the existing reservoir and in the upstream
reach, particularly for native species.
The sediment behind the dam is the major concern with removing the dam. Previous studies
have indicated that the sediments do not contain contaminants at a level exceeding probable
effects concentrations. Even so, release of the sequestered sediment is likely to negatively
impact biota downstream of the dam, particularly freshwater mussels, including the federally-
endangered Appalachian elktoe.
In accordance with the 2003 Tuckasegee and Nantahala Settlement Agreements, the NCWRC
supports the removal of Dillsboro dam. The removal should be conducted in such a manner as to
Mailing Address: Division of Inland Fisheries 1721 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1721
Telephone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Dillsboro Remova1401 Page 2 October 25, 2007
minimize the release of sediment from the dam, relocate mussels in the river below the dam, and
monitor the effects of the dam removal on water quality and biota during and after the removal.
Removal of the majority of sediment from the impoundment prior to the deconstruction of the
dam is recommended to minimize the potential to impact mussels and other organisms
downstream of the dam.
The NCWRC continues to work with Duke Energy, the North Carolina Division of Water
Quality, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and others to develop removal, monitoring and
mitigation plans. The final plans should be included as conditions of the 401 certification.
If you have any questions concerning these comments, please contact me at 828-652-4360 ext.
223, [e-mail] or 645 Fish Hatchery Road, Marion, NC 28752-8254.
Sincerely,
Christopher Goudreau
Hydropower Licensing Coordinator
copy via email: Kevin Barnett, NCDWQ
Steve Reed, NCDWR
Mark Cantrell, USFWS
Jeff Lineberger, Duke Power
John Wishon, Duke Power