Wallace Dam Pumped Storage Project
The Wallace Dam Project is a pumped storage facility that includes 19,050-acre Lake Oconee and uses Lake Sinclair, a separately licensed project, as the lower reservoir. Georgia Power used the Integrated Licensing Process to consult with agencies and stakeholders, conduct studies, and develop its relicensing proposal.
Kleinschmidt led preparation of Exhibit E (Environmental Report) of the license application in the form of an applicant-prepared environmental assessment (EA). Key issues evaluated included shoreline erosion, dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the tailrace, sport-fish habitat, fish entrainment, threatened and endangered species, recreational access, shoreline management, and cultural resources. Kleinschmidt assisted preparation of environmental enhancement plans and proposed license articles for project operations, a forebay aeration system to enhance tailrace DO, recreation facility improvements, and shoreline management. We also provided post- ling support to respond to additional information requests, review FERC’s draft EA, and support negotiations concerning agency Section 10(j) and 4(e) interests. FERC issued a new license for the project in May 2020.
Kleinschmidt’s successful approach to evaluating fish entrainment in Exhibit E, which extrapolated existing information from other pumped storage sites, reduced the likelihood of agency recommendations for future monitoring and costly mitigation. Our FERC knowledge and experience contributed toward Georgia Power’s goal of obtaining reasonable license terms and conditions for a new 40-year license.