Blewett P-2206

Download license summary for the Yadkin-Pee Dee project.

Background

The Yadkin-Pee Dee River Hydroelectric Project is located in Montgomery, Stanly, and Anson Counties in Central North Carolina near the town of Rockingham. It is operated by Progress Energy.

The Yadkin-Pee Dee River is one of the largest in North Carolina. It is impounded by six dams. Four are located on the upper river above the Yadkin’s confluence with the Uwharrie River. These Dams are operated under one license by Alcoa Generating Inc., The Yadkin Hydroelectric Project (FERC P-2197). Below the confluence with Uwharrie River the Yadkin becomes the Pee Dee River.

On the lower stretch the two dams are operated by Progress Energy. The Progress Energy project consists of two reservoirs. The lower reservoir is formed by the Blewett Falls Dam and the upper reservoir is formed by the Tillery Dam. There is 19 miles of free flowing river between the two reservoirs. This is the only stretch of free flowing river on the Yadkin-Pee Dee within both Alcoa and Progress Energy’s hydroelectric projects. There is 150 miles of undammed river in North Carolina above the six dams and 190 miles below Blewett Falls in North and South Carolina.

Settlement Agreement available at http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/common/OpenNat.asp?fileID=11407671

The 19 miles of undammed river below the Tillery Dam has tremendous potential for quality recreation including; boating, paddling, fishing, wildlife watching and swimming. Currently, due to extreme low flows and high pulse flows from generating operations there is little recreation on this stretch. Blewett and Tillery lakes are popular destinations for many area residents.

Fish Passage

In September 2007, Progress Energy, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of North Carolina signed an agreement as part of the FERC re-licensing process to pass American shad and American eel upstream and down at both the Blewett Falls and Tillery facilities.

Endangered Species

There are a number of endangered species affected by the Yadkin-Pee Dee Hydroelectric Project including numerous mussel species: Roanoke slabshell, Carolina creekshell, yellow lampmussel, and the federally endangered short nose sturgeon.

Milestones