Collaboration during Parr Hydro relicensing process results in environmental enhancements
July 11, 2018
Several environmental initiatives are the result of SCE&G’s collaboration with approximately 10 government agencies, environmental organizations and interested individuals during the multi-year relicensing process for the company’s Parr Hydroelectric facility. The Parr facility is located in Jenkensville, SC.
After nearly six years of working together, the parties recently signed the Parr Relicensing Settlement Agreement. This is an important step toward receiving a new license for continued operations.
“As a result, SCE&G will implement programs designed to balance environmental impacts and hydroelectric operations through an adaptive management process,” said Jim Landreth, vice president of Fossil and Hydro Operations for SCE&G.
The 15 environmental initiatives include recreation improvements, fish habitat enhancements, shoreline management plans, and mussel and eel studies. American Rivers–Rivers of Southern Appalachia and the Carolinas, American Whitewater, Congaree Riverkeeper, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service and S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) were among the stakeholders who worked on these efforts and signed the settlement agreement.
Gerrit Jöbsis, senior director of American Rivers–Rivers of Southern Appalachia and the Carolinas, also expressed appreciation for being part of the process. “We compliment SCE&G, state and federal agencies, and fellow conservation organizations for the collaborative approach used to resolve differences and reach an agreement that will greatly benefit rivers of the Midlands for decades to come.”
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regulates SCE&G’s hydroelectric projects. SCE&G submitted its relicensing application, along with the signed settlement agreement, to FERC June 28. It is anticipated that in the next two years FERC will review the company’s application, develop an environmental assessment, hold a public meeting and approve the new license.
For more information about SCE&G’s hydroelectric facilities, visit sceg.com/about-us/power-generation/hydroelectric.
