Tillery Dam on the Yadkin-Pee Dee River

In the re-licensing process for Progress Energy’s Tillery dam in central North Carolina, the utility company has proposed an operation plan for the hydroelectric station that will result in low and variable flows in the Yadkin-Pee Dee River. Under this plan, flows from the dam would be insufficient to maintain water quality, habitat for fish and other species, and boating opportunities.

As mitigation for damage to the river, Progress Energy has proposed giving the state a donation of land in upland areas. North Carolina’s Division of Water Quality has accepted this arrangement, which would do nothing to improve water quality in the river below the Tillery dam and cannot compensate for the adverse impacts of decreased flow.

SELC is challenging the agency’s decision, which violates state and federal clean water laws and sets a dangerous precedent that will promote similar out-of-kind mitigation schemes that subvert water quality standards. Working with us in this case are the Natural Heritage Institute (our co-counsel), American Rivers, and the City of Rockingham, which is downstream from the dam. The river is a prized recreation area for the city and its residents.