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Greenwood County Hydro Project Receives Conditional Approval

Construction of the Greenwood County Hydro Project

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News Summary

After 20 years of work, Greenwood County’s Hydro Project is moving forward with conditional approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Significant improvements to dam safety and stability are underway, including the redesign of the fuse plug. The project aims to enhance water flow management while addressing community concerns related to environmental impacts. With construction expected to last 12 to 18 months, this development marks a major milestone in the county’s long-awaited hydro initiative.

Exciting Developments in Greenwood County’s Hydro Project!

Good day, residents of Greenwood County! Grab your umbrellas because there’s a steady rain falling this morning, and showers are expected to continue rolling in throughout the afternoon. With a high temperature hovering around 41°F and a northeast wind blowing gently at 5 to 10 mph, it’s a perfect day to cozy up indoors while we catch up on the latest news about our beloved Hydro Project!

After 20 Years, Progress is Finally Here!

On February 4, County Engineer Rett Templeton provided an update to the Greenwood County Council about the long-awaited Hydro Project, which has been in the works for a whopping 20 years. This project is not just any ordinary endeavor; it consists of three major components: the Buzzard’s Roost Dam, an earthen dam, and a fuse plug, which plays a crucial role in ensuring safety.

Addressing Key Concerns

For two decades, the county has been diligently addressing the concerns raised by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding dam safety and the seismic stability of the earthen dam. FERC has pointed out potential risks associated with the dam’s ability to withstand an earthquake, which led to several discussions revolving around the design of the fuse plug.

Originally, the fuse plug was allocated a budget of $10 million intended solely for catastrophic events, though it’s noteworthy that it has never been activated in the dam’s 90-year history. Financial backing for the project came from a 2007 Capital Project Sales Tax, raising a total of $30 million to aid in these crucial improvements.

Shifting Requirements and Conditional Approval

As you might expect with projects of this magnitude, the road to progress hasn’t been entirely smooth. Significant delays arose due to changing requirements from FERC, but the county has been proactive in demonstrating the stability of both dams. Their hard work has paid off, as FERC has issued conditional approval for the project, which is now on the verge of its 100% design phase.

Next Steps in Construction

Templeton made a request during the council meeting for a fund transfer of $162,500 from the 2007 Capital Project Sales Tax to cover additional design costs. Once the design gets the green light, the project will soon go out to bid for contractors. Construction is anticipated to last 12 to 18 months, and will include constructing walls and developing channels to enhance water flow management.

It’s particularly important to note that the redesign of the fuse plug is a key element of the overall safety measures being implemented at the dam.

Community Concerns and Ongoing Initiatives

2022. Issues such as accessibility and environmental impacts have sparked discussions and prompted public meetings with the management of Patriot Hydro.

Additionally, state officials, including Rep. John McCravy, are delving into investigations about the dam’s integrity and its environmental effects. The National Hydropower Association is also on board, emphasizing that they support existing legislative efforts to improve hydropower regulations and facilities.

Hope on the Horizon

As if that weren’t enough, new bipartisan bills have been proposed in Congress aimed at boosting funding and regulatory support for hydropower. The Marine Energy Technologies Acceleration Act is one such effort focused on promoting marine energy development as well. It’s an exciting time for hydropower enthusiasts!

Keep your ears to the ground, Greenwood County. With a storm brewing outside, the winds of change are certainly upon us, and the advancements in our Hydro Project are just the beginning of what’s to come. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey together!