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April 6, 2008
Alcoa-Yadkin committed to protecting N.C.'s water supply and water quality
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There’s been a lot of interest lately in the federal relicensing of the Alcoa-Yadkin hydro project in central North Carolina, especially as it relates to protecting North Carolina’s water supply along the Yadkin River.
The big question — what will happen to our state’s water supply if Alcoa Power Generating Inc. (APGI) receives a new license to continue generating renewable energy?
Here are the facts:
- North Carolina will still have the same amount of water. APGI’s hydro generation doesn’t consume or divert any water from the Yadkin River. The water simply passes through the turbines and flows downstream.
- Better water quality. APGI is installing new technology at its powerhouses to increase dissolved oxygen levels and improve water quality.
- More water in the reservoirs year-round and during drought conditions. APGI will reduce its generation and send less water downstream when water is scarce. (Water levels at all Yadkin reservoirs have remained near full during the current drought, earning APGI praise from state agencies, local homeowners and business users.)
- North Carolina entities will still be able to withdraw water from the Yadkin River, subject to approval of appropriate state and federal agencies.
As the biggest water user in Stanly County, the City of Albemarle has a vested interest in how our state’s water resources will be impacted by granting APGI a new license.
Mayor Whit Whitley says, "We've been withdrawing water from the Yadkin River since the late 1940s. Alcoa has worked closely with us to obtain FERC approval for our withdrawals, and the Relicensing Settlement Agreement calls for an increase of four to five times the amount of water we currently use. The City of Albemarle supports a new license for Alcoa and looks forward to the many benefits it will provide."
Mayor Whitley and the city of Albemarle understand the many benefits associated with granting a new license to APGI. That’s why it is one of 23 organizations in North Carolina and South Carolina that support a new license for APGI.
These groups — including state and federal agencies, local governments, homeowners, recreational users, local business groups and environmental interest organizations – spent years helping craft an agreement that will dictate how water in the Yadkin River is managed.
The bottom line is that the Yadkin Project provides clean, renewable energy, a readily available supply of water, and a great place for people to boat, fish and camp. The reservoirs have been an economic force in Stanly County and the other four counties it impacts for decades – boosting property values, supporting local businesses and attracting tourists. A new license for the Yadkin Project just makes sense.
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