Recent blog posts
- Our Position on Alpine Utilities NPDES Permit
- Alpine Utilities Public Hearing
- Help Keep Our Sewer System Fat Free
- Saluda River Stocked with Trout
- Proposed Interbasin Transfer
- SCE&G Hydropower Relicensing Proceeding
- The State Newspaper - Congaree Riverkeeper
- Meet Our Board of Directors
- Meet Our Riverkeeper
- Lower Saluda River Photos
Congaree Riverkeeper Engages in SCE&G Hydropower Relicensing Proceeding
The streamflow of the Lower Saluda River is controlled by releases from the SCE&G Saluda Hydroelectric Project, otherwise known as Lake Murray. The operation of the Saluda Project affects water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, instream flows, fish and wildlife habitat, and public safety on the Lower Saluda River. To advocate for protection of these interests, the Congaree Riverkeeper moved to intervene in the relicensing proceeding before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) so that we become a party with rights to dispute FERC's relicensing decision if we so choose.
Today, we filed a Comment with FERC that praises some aspects of the proposed new license but also raises concerns about insufficient recreational sites, vague commitments by SCE&G to moderate fluctuations in unscheduled flow releases, and the destruction of mussel populations in the Lower Saluda. Our Comment can be viewed at: http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20090930-5092.
We will continue monitoring this proceeding and advocate for protection and enhancement of the Lower Saluda River.
