Who is FERC?
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is the federal agency is responsible for regulating hydroelectric projects such as the Yadkin Project. It issues licenses that dictate how the project must be operated. The current license for the Yadkin Project was granted in 1958 and expires in April 2008.
Relicensing Background
The relicensing of the Yadkin Project began more than five years ago. During that time, Alcoa-Yadkin has worked closely with stakeholders to study issues and discuss possible changes in current operations. A Relicensing Settlement Agreement was reached in February 2007 and formally submitted to FERC in May 2007. The agreement was signed by 23 organizations representing state and federal agencies, local governments, homeowners and recreational users, business organizations, environmental interest groups and others.
Relicensing Timeline
1958: Alcoa-Yadkin is granted a 50-year license by the Federal Power Commission, the predecessor to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Since 1968, operations have been governed by a family of rule curves that dictate how much hydropower can be generated under various circumstances.
September 2002: Alcoa-Yadkin kicks off the federal relicensing process with the distribution of an “Initial Consultation” document. This document provides background on the relicensing process and highlights issues that will be considered.
February 2003: Alcoa-Yadkin forms seven Issue Advisory Groups responsible for identify key issues, recommend technical studies and provide public input into the relicensing process. The groups are: County Economic Impacts, Cultural Resources, Fish & Aquatics, Recreation, Aesthetics & Shoreline Management, Water Quality and Wetlands, Wildlife & Botanical. More than 100 people participate in the group meetings.
2003-2004: Alcoa-Yadkin conducts more than 20 technical studies and meets regularly with the Issue Advisory Groups to discuss study-related issues.
Late 2004: Alcoa-Yadkin announces that it will pursue formal settlement negotiations with stakeholders. This voluntary attempt to reach a compromise is seen as a way to involve local stakeholders and address their interests.
Early 2005: Settlement negotiations get underway. Stakeholders meet nearly every month throughout 2005 to discuss key issues and work toward reaching a settlement. During this time, most technical studies are completed and the work of the Issue Advisory Groups is slowly phased out.
October 2005: Alcoa-Yadkin releases a “Draft License Application” for review and comment.
April 26, 2006: Alcoa-Yadkin files its official license application with FERC.
August 2006: Alcoa releases an “Agreement in Principle” that is signed by 27 organizations representing local governments, state and federal agencies, homeowner groups, environmental interest groups and others. The agreement offers significant environmental enhancements and important recreational benefits.
January 22-24, 2007: FERC holds two public meetings to solicit public opinion regarding issues that should be addressed in the Environmental Impact Statement.
February 2007: Stakeholders finalize a formal Relicensing Settlement Agreement to be submitted to FERC as a collective recommendation for the future operation of the Yadkin Project.
May 7, 2007: Alcoa-Yadkin formally submits the Relicensing Settlement Agreement, signed by 23 organizations, to FERC as a collective recommendation for the future operation of the Yadkin Project.
September 30, 2007: FERC issues Draft Environmental Impact Statement
November 14, 2007: FERC holds a public meeting in Salisbury to solicit feedback on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
December 10, 2007: APGI submits written comments to FERC on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
April 2008: FERC is expected to issue its Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Yadkin Project.
April 30, 2008: The original 50-year license for the Yadkin Project expires. FERC is expected to issue an annual license that will remain in effect until a new license is issued.
