20080915 Ver 1_WRC Comments_20080813

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North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Fred A. Harris, Interim Executive Director

July 29, 2008 ~
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Via Email cc~~
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Mr. John Dorney
North Carolina Division of Water Quality Di ri k W PR QUALITY
2321 Crabtree Boulevard, Suite 250 WETLANDS AND STQRM"P:ATER SRMCI i
Raleigh, NC 27604
Subject: 401 Water Quality Certification - Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project
FERC No. 2232; DWQ #2008-0915
Catawba County and others, North Carolina

Dear Mr. Dorney:

This correspondence is in reference to the July 2, 2008 public notice by the North Carolina
Division of Water Quality requesting public comment on the proposed relicensing of the
Catawba-Wateree hydroelectric project 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.).

The 2006 Catawba-Wateree Comprehensive Relicensing Agreement (CRA) provides a complete
package of protection, enhancement and mitigation measures that promote a sustainable balance
of water uses in both the reservoirs and riverine portions of the Catawba River in North Carolina.
These uses include the protection of fish and wildlife resources, and the recreational
opportunities they provide.

The NCWRC recommends the Flow and Water Quality Implementation Plan (CRA Appendix L)
and the Water Quality Monitoring Plan (CRA Appendix F) as conditions of the 401 Water
Quality Certification. We believe CRA Sections 4.5 and 4.6 provide adequate mitigation for
those stream sections that will receive no or reduced flows.
If you have any questions concerning these comments, please call me at 828-652-4360 ext.. 223.

Mailing Address: 645 Fish Hatchery Road - Marion, NC 27652
Telephone: [phone] - Fag: [phone]

Catawba-Wateree 401 Page 2 July 29, 2008

Sincerely,

Christopher Goudreau
Hydropower Licensing Coordinator

copy via email: Steve Reed, NCDWR
Mark Oakley, Duke Power