DOCSLIB.ORG

Pu66ic Service Commission of West Virginia

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Pu66ic Service Commission of West Virginia Pu66ic Service Commission Of West Virginia 201 BroobSStreet, P. 0. CaoxSl2 Phone: (304) 340-0300 Charleston, wv 25323 Fm(304) 340-0325 i May 14,2014 I Electronic Service Only Michael Storch, Executive Vice President I Gauley River Power Partners, LP c/o Enel Green Power North America, Inc. One Tech Drive, Ste. 220 Andover, MA 0 18 10 RE: Case No. 14-0286-E-P Gauley River Power Partners, L.P Dear Mr. Storcli: Staff Memorandum issued today was served via email on the above-listed parties. If you wish to respond to Staff Memorandum you may do so in writing, within 10 days, unless directed otherwise, of this date. You will not receive a copy of the Staff Memorandum by regular mail. Your failure to respond in writing to the utility’s answer, Staffs recommendations, or other documents may result in a decision in your case based on your original filing and the other documents in the case file, without further hearing or notice. When you provide an email address you will automatically receive electronic docket notifications as documents are filed in this proceeding. The email notifications allow recipients to view a document within an hour from the time the filing is processed. If you have not done so, you are requested to file the Electronic Mail Agreement, previously mail to you, which allows the Coinmission to serve all orders issued in this matter via electronic docket notification. Please note - the Public Service Commission does not accept electronic filings. Therefore, if you wish to respond to the Staff Memorandum you must do so in writing submitted to the Executive Secretary’s Office at the above address. Sincerely, Ingrid Fkrell, Director Executive Secretary Division IFlcg Attached - Memo FINAL JOINT STAFF MEMORANDUM TO: INGRID FERRELL DATE: May 14,2014 Executive Secretary FROM: JOHN AUVILLE Staff Attorney RE: CASE NO. 14-0286-E-P GAULEY RIVER POWER PARTNERS, L.P. On February 20, 2014, Gauley River Power Partner, L.P. (Gauley River) filed a petition for certification of Gauley River’s run of the river hydroelectric generating facility (Facility) as a Qualified Energy Resource pursuant to the Rules Governing Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard. The Facility is located on the Gauley River near Summersville, WV. Wayne Perdue, Technical Analyst in the Commission’s Engineering Division, submitted the attached memorandum on May 14, 2014. Mr. Perdue states the facility meets the standards to qualify as a “Qualified Energy Resource.” He also believes the facility qualifies as a run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility, making it a “Renewable Energy Resource” entitled to two credits for every megawatt-hour of generation. Legal Staff has reviewed the above mentioned memorandum and agrees with the contents therein, The Gauley River facility should be certified as a “Qualified Energy Resource” that uses a “Renewable Energy Resource” that entitles the facility to two Credits for every megawatt-hour of generation. JWs Attachment I Engineering Division Final Memorandum To: John Auville May 12,2014 Staff Attorney From: Wayne M. Perdue (,J $' Technical Analyst Re: Case No. 14-0286-E-P Gauley River Power Partners, L.P., Petition for Certification of Petition for Certification of Certain Facilities as Qualified Energy Resource pursuant to the Rules Governing Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, 150 C.S.R. 34 Updated Petition In the Engineering Division's Initial Technical Memorandum, filed on March 18, 2014, Staff provided a general description of the Project. However, Staff found that the Petition contained the most of the necessary information required for certification as a "Qualified Energy Resource" but Staff believed the Petition would further enhanced/ complete with additional information regarding the revenue quality meter and a better justification for being classified as a run-of-river hydroelectric facility. On May 5, 2014, the Petitioner filed a response to Staff's First Data Request that contained the remainder of the information required for the Petition. Data Response No. 2 states that the Project is a renewable energy facility but is not considered an Energy Efficiencymemand-Side Energy Initiative project as indicated in the Petition, Information such as pictures, manufacturers specifications and other evidence is presented in Data Response No. 4 that confirms the project's revenue meter meets the PJM GATS definition of a revenue-quality meter and complies with the ANSI C-12 Standards for revenue quality meters. Data Response No. 3 addresses the matter concerning run-of-the-river hydroelectric facilities by providing information from the Low Impact Hydroelectric Institute (LIHI) about the Project's LIHI's current status. The project was recertified by the LIHI on November 25, 2009 (Certificate #17).' Attachment No. 1 summarizes the Project and Project's certificate. In general, Attachment No. 1 provides evidence that the Project is eligible for green power certification programs and is considered a run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility (See Pages 1 and 2 of Attachment No. 1). Engineering Division Final Memorandum Conclusion The Engineering Division believes the Petition meets the requirements for certification as a Qualified Energy Resource as a renewable energy resource run-of-the- river hydroelectric generating facility pursuant to Rule 2.22.d of the Commission’s Rules Governing Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, 150 C.S.R. 34 and is entitled to receive two (2) renewable energy credits for each Megawatt of energy produced, WMP:s Attachment No. 1 I http://www.lowimpacthydro.org/lihi-certificate-17-summersv~~~e-pro~ect-gau~ey-r~ver-west-v~rg~n~a-ferc- 108 13.html Attachment 1 What's New? j Contact Us I_--~ I l.f.rnc What's New? Donate About Us Contact us Staff, Governing; Board and Advisory Panel Members Project Location Map Ccrtificati on Application Pro main Pending; Anplications $ cv.tIt"!ctl FilCilltlC\ LIHI Certificate #17 = Surnmersville Project, Gauley River, West Virginia (FERC# 10813) At their March 4, 2010 meeting the LIHI Governing Board re- certified the Summersville Project. "green" power certification programs. ~ Page 1 of5 Monday, May 12,2014 ... http://www.lowimpacthydro.org/lihi-certificate-17-summersville-pro~ect-gauley-river-west-virg~n~a-ferc- 1 08 1 3.hml The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a 50-year license to the City on September 25, 1992 to develop, finance, construct, own, and operate the 80-megawatte (MW) project. This project (FERC 108 13), as amended and approved by FERC, is the one being considered for low impact hydropower certification. The project reservoir is Summersville Lake, which the ACOE manages for flood control, low- .* flow augmentation, and recreation.Prolectrelydcp,m$ent upon the ACOEs' operation of the *. .. the hvdro Drcgect is managed as a run --of the - river facility, The Project was certified by LIHI on November 10,2004 for a five-year term. In the Applicant's filing for re- certification they state that nothing about the project has changed that would affect the certifiability of the Summersville Project. Site Characteristics The project and the surrounding area are described in FERC's 1996 Final Environmental Assessment (EA). Additional detail is provided in the 2002 Operating Plan. The following descriptions are primarily from those documents. The project is located on the Gauley River in Nicholas and Fayette Counties, West Virginia, between Summersville dam and the upper boundary of the Gauley River National Recreation Area (GRNRA). The terrain is rugged and characterized by sharp ridges and narrow v-shaped valleys. The Gauley River does not have a floodplain in the project area. As operated by the ACOE, the dam regulates water levels in the reservoir and downstream flows. Changes in discharge rate are scheduled not to exceed 1,500 cubic feet per second (cfs) per hour or cause changes in water surface elevations downstream of the dam greater than 1 foot per hour. A minimum flow of 100 cfs is provided at all times, The ACOE is required to provide 20 days of whitewater rafting flows each year beginning the first weekend after Labor Day. Summersville Lake has a surface area that varies seasonally between 928 acres and 4,280 acres. The minimum (winter) pool of 4,280 acres has a surface elevation of 1,710 feet. The seasonal (summer) pool of 2~790acres has a surface elevation of 1,652 feet. In the fall, the ACOE lowers the reservoir level in anticipation of heavy snows and rain in the winter and spring months. Recreational boaters raft and kayak down the river, especially during the fall draw down period. 1 Project Description 1 Page2 of5 Monday, May 12,2014 .. , http://www,lowimpacthydro.org/lihi-certificate-17-summersv~lle-pro~ect-gau~ey-r~ver-west-v~rg~n~a-ferc- 108 1 3.html The project is located on land owned by the ACOE at their Summersville dam. Project structures include a powerhouse with two hydroelectric turbine-generators, a substation, and a transmission line. The powerhouse and substation are located on the right riverbank, downstream of the dam. The transmission line extends across the downstream side of the dam. The project's powerhouse connects to the ACOE's discharge tunnel via a penstock. The project reservoir is Summersville Lake, which the ACOE manages for flood control, low-flow augmentation, and recreation. The dam was authorized by Congress in 1938. It was originally constructed in conjunction with two other dams to control flood waters in the Kanawha basin, a 12,300-square-mile area located in three states. The dams operated as a system, control flows into the Ohio River. Summersville dam was built in 1966 at a cost of $48 million (1966 dollars). It is an earthen structure 393 feet high and 2,280 feet long.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 02070001 South Branch Potomac 01605500 South Branch Potomac River at Franklin, WV 01606000 N F South Br Potomac R at Cabins, WV 01606500 So
    Appendix D Active Stream Flow Gauging Stations In West Virginia Active Stream Flow Gauging Stations In West Virginia 02070001 South Branch Potomac 01605500 South Branch Potomac River At Franklin, WV 01606000 N F South Br Potomac R At Cabins, WV 01606500 So. Branch Potomac River Nr Petersburg, WV 01606900 South Mill Creek Near Mozer, WV 01607300 Brushy Fork Near Sugar Grove, WV 01607500 So Fk So Br Potomac R At Brandywine, WV 01608000 So Fk South Branch Potomac R Nr Moorefield, WV 01608070 South Branch Potomac River Near Moorefield, WV 01608500 South Branch Potomac River Near Springfield, WV 02070002 North Branch Potomac 01595200 Stony River Near Mount Storm,WV 01595800 North Branch Potomac River At Barnum, WV 01598500 North Branch Potomac River At Luke, Md 01600000 North Branch Potomac River At Pinto, Md 01604500 Patterson Creek Near Headsville, WV 01605002 Painter Run Near Fort Ashby, WV 02070003 Cacapon-Town 01610400 Waites Run Near Wardensville, WV 01611500 Cacapon River Near Great Cacapon, WV 02070004 Conococheague-Opequon 01613020 Unnamed Trib To Warm Spr Run Nr Berkeley Spr, WV 01614000 Back Creek Near Jones Springs, WV 01616500 Opequon Creek Near Martinsburg, WV 02070007 Shenandoah 01636500 Shenandoah River At Millville, WV 05020001 Tygart Valley 03050000 Tygart Valley River Near Dailey, WV 03050500 Tygart Valley River Near Elkins, WV 03051000 Tygart Valley River At Belington, WV 03052000 Middle Fork River At Audra, WV 03052450 Buckhannon R At Buckhannon, WV 03052500 Sand Run Near Buckhannon, WV 03053500 Buckhannon River At Hall, WV 03054500 Tygart Valley River At Philippi, WV Page D 1 of D 5 Active Stream Flow Gauging Stations In West Virginia 03055500 Tygart Lake Nr Grafton, WV 03056000 Tygart Valley R At Tygart Dam Nr Grafton, WV 03056250 Three Fork Creek Nr Grafton, WV 03057000 Tygart Valley River At Colfax, WV 05020002 West Fork 03057300 West Fork River At Walkersville, WV 03057900 Stonewall Jackson Lake Near Weston, WV 03058000 West Fork R Bl Stonewall Jackson Dam Nr Weston 03058020 West Fork River At Weston, WV 03058500 W.F.
    [Show full text]
  • GAULEY RIVER Ifjj
    D-1 IN final wild and scenic river study ~ORA GE ' auoust 1983 GAULEY RIVER ifjJ WEST VIRGINIA PLEASE RETURN TO: TECHNICAL ltfFORMATION CENTER DENVER SERVICE CE'NTER NATIONAL PARK SERVICE UNITED S'm.TES DEPARIMENT CF 'lHE INI'ERIOR/NATICNAL PARK SERVICE As the Nation's principal conservation a· gency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering the wisest use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environ­ mental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through out­ door recreation. The Oepartmer:t assesses our energy and min· eral resources and works to assure that their development is in the best interests of all our people. The Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservation communities and for people who live in island territories un­ der U. S. administration. FINl\L REPORT GAULEY RIVER WILD AND SCENIC RIVER S'IUDY WEST VIRGINIA August 1983 Prepared by: Mid-Atlantic Regional Office National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior ,. OONTENTS I. SUMMAm' OF FINDINGS / 1 I I • CDNDUCT' OF 'llIE S'IUDY I 6 Purpose I 6 Background I 6 Study Approach I 6 Public Involvement I 7 Significant Issues / 8 Definitions of Terms Used in Report I 9 III. EVAWATION I 10 Eligibility I 10 Classification I 12 Suitcbility / 15 IV. THE RIVER ENVIOONMENT I 18 Natural Resources / 18 Cultural Resources / 29 Existing Public Use / 34 Status of Land OWnership arrl Use / 39 V.
    [Show full text]
  • “A People Who Have Not the Pride to Record Their History Will Not Long
    STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE i “A people who have not the pride to record their History will not long have virtues to make History worth recording; and Introduction no people who At the rear of Old Main at Bethany College, the sun shines through are indifferent an arcade. This passageway is filled with students today, just as it was more than a hundred years ago, as shown in a c.1885 photograph. to their past During my several visits to this college, I have lingered here enjoying the light and the student activity. It reminds me that we are part of the past need hope to as well as today. People can connect to historic resources through their make their character and setting as well as the stories they tell and the memories they make. future great.” The National Register of Historic Places recognizes historic re- sources such as Old Main. In 2000, the State Historic Preservation Office Virgil A. Lewis, first published Historic West Virginia which provided brief descriptions noted historian of our state’s National Register listings. This second edition adds approx- Mason County, imately 265 new listings, including the Huntington home of Civil Rights West Virginia activist Memphis Tennessee Garrison, the New River Gorge Bridge, Camp Caesar in Webster County, Fort Mill Ridge in Hampshire County, the Ananias Pitsenbarger Farm in Pendleton County and the Nuttallburg Coal Mining Complex in Fayette County. Each reveals the richness of our past and celebrates the stories and accomplishments of our citizens. I hope you enjoy and learn from Historic West Virginia.
    [Show full text]
  • An Allocation of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources to Gauley River National Recreation Area and New River Gorge National River, West Virginia
    An Allocation of Undiscovered Oil and Gas Resources to Gauley River National Recreation Area and New River Gorge National River, West Virginia By Christopher J. Schenk, Timothy R. Klett, Ronald R. Charpentier, Troy A. Cook, Robert A. Crovelli, Richard M. Pollastro, and Robert C. Milici This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic Code. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Open-File Report 03–396 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Contents Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 1 USGS Methodology for Resource Allocation........................................................................................... 1 Results ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 Additional Information ................................................................................................................................. 3 Gauley River National Recreation Area..........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Candy Darter Recovery Outline
    U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Candy Darter Recovery Outline Photo by Corey Dunn, University of Missouri Species Name: Candy Darter (Etheostoma osburni) Species Range: Upper Kanawha River Basin including the Gauley, Greenbrier, and New River Watersheds including portions of Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Nicholas, and Webster counties in West Virginia; and Bland, Giles, and Wythe counties, Virginia. The range of the species is shown in figure 1 below. Recovery Priority Number: 5; explanation provided below Listing Status: Endangered; November 21, 2019; 83 FR 58747 Lead Regional Office/Cooperating RO(s): Northeast Region, Hadley MA Lead Field Office/Cooperating FO(s): West Virginia Field Office, Elkins WV; Southwestern Virginia Field Office, Abingdon, VA; White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery, White Sulphur Springs, WV Lead Contact: Barbara Douglas, 304-636-6586 ext 19. [email protected] 1) Background This section provides a brief overview of the ecology and conservation of the candy darter. This information is more fully described in the Species Status Assessment (SSA), the final listing rule, and the proposed critical habitat rule. These documents are available at: https://www.fws.gov/northeast/candydarter/ 1 Type and Quality of Available Information to Date: Important Information Gaps and Treatment of Uncertainties One of the primary threats that resulted in the listing of the candy darter under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is the spread of the introduced variegate darter (Etheostoma variatum). This species hybridizes with the candy darter. Key information gaps and areas of uncertainty for the recovery and management of the candy darter include whether there are any habitat or other natural factors that could limit the spread of variegate darter.
    [Show full text]
  • Natural History Gauley River
    Natural History National Park Service There are many rare and threatened animal U.S. Department of the Interior species within the recreation area including the Allegheny woodrat,cerulean warbler, Gauley River National Recreation Area black-bellied salamander (a rare species), and finescale saddled darter. Gauley River Vegetation is diverse and abundant along the Gauley River. Extremes in topography, elevation and microclimate have caused tremendous variation in plant life. Most of the recreation area is below 2,000 feet. Central hardwood trees thrive here such as red oak, white oak, American beech, yellow poplar, hemlock and dogwood. High-energy rivers are an ecological driving force for some plant communities. Gauley Gauley River National Recreation Area River is an excellent example of a high energy offers big thrills to thousands of Whitewater system which supports rare plant species and enthusiasts along its path through narrow their communities such as Virginia spiraea, gorges. The park includes 25 miles of the Appalachian blue violet, and Barbara's Gauley River and 5 miles of the Meadow River. buttons. The Gauley River is ranked among the best Whitewater rivers in the world by expert The Three Rivers boaters. Dropping more than 668 feet through rugged terrain, the river's complex stretch of Gauley River National Recreation Area is Whitewater features more than 100 rapids with one of three National Park units in southern a steep gradient, technical runs, an incredible West Virginia, together with New River Gorge volume of water and huge waves. National River and Bluestone National Scenic River. The diversity of natural and historical Established in 1988 for its recreational resources found in these three parks are opportunities, the Gauley River offers preserved as part of a larger family of nearly Whitewater boating, fishing, camping, hunting, 400 nationally significant places which make and picnicking.
    [Show full text]
  • WVWA Ranked List of Rivers
    WVWA’s Ranked Lists of Rivers, Streams and Creeks The following two lists are a ranking of river sections by paddling difficulty, from easier to more difficult. The rivers were ranked at a flow that a paddler is likely to encounter at an enjoyable level. The sections of larger rivers were ranked assuming a flow somewhere between 1,000 and 3,000 cfs. The creeks and smaller rivers were ranked with a flow somewhere between 200 and 1,000 cfs. A minimum stage or flow is also listed but was not used for ranking purposes. This minimum level may be easier or more difficult and is only listed to indicate a minimum "doable" level. When a classification appears in parentheses it indicates one rapid which is harder that the rapids on the rest of the run. For example, Class II-III+(IV) indicates that one rapid of class IV difficulty may be expected. An * appearing after a river name indicates that adjoining river mileage may be paddled but the additional mileage is harder and may affect the ranking of the river. An ** appearing after the minimum level indicates that a visual gauge is commonly used and a paddler may have to use a conversion factor to obtain that reading. These ranking began with a compilation of rivers and creeks by WVWA member Turner Sharp. The compilations were sent to 25 WVWA members for ranking. Eleven were returned and were used in these rankings. These ranked lists are an attempt to have a consistent method of labeling rivers by difficulty when organizing a trip schedule.
    [Show full text]
  • The Adventure Begins Here
    THE ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE 800.463.9873 >> RAFTINGINFO.COM 9174c2.indd 1 3/28/13 2:53 PM Contents Welcome Scouts 3 – Welcome 4 – New River Gorge Adventures 6 – Selecting Rafting Adventures 7 – Select the Season 8 – Lower New River Gorge 10 – Upper New River Canyon 12 – Lower Gauley River 14 – Upper Gauley River 16 – Events & Specials 18 – Summer Gauley River 19 – Dueling Rivers 20 – Overnight Trips 21 – Multi-Day Trips 22 – Accommodations 24 – Amenities 26 – Area Adventures 28 – Upgrades 29 – Groups 30 – Policies 31 – Directions 2 9174c2.indd 2 3/28/13 2:53 PM Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. We understand that vacation time is valuable and the economy hasn’t Welcome completely recovered; that’s why we are honored when guests choose River Expeditions to host their adventure. And that’s why we are committed to offering quality products and programs at a tremendous value, all while delivering outstanding service every day. This philosophy distinguishes River Expeditions from other outfitters. Every company has a culture. We’re not shy about proclaiming that ours is based on the joy of adventure. Our mission is simply to enrich the lives of our guests through all we have to share. During your visit we'll encourage, challenge, entertain and assist you in any way we can. River Expeditions’ attentive staff is truly exceptional - discover the gracious hospitality that makes our style unique. We believe that size should never outrank service. Choosing the right outfitter isn’t something you should be confused about, it’s something you should be confident in.
    [Show full text]
  • Development of Outdoor Recreation Resource Amenity Indices for West Virginia
    Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports 2008 Development of outdoor recreation resource amenity indices for West Virginia Jing Wang West Virginia University Follow this and additional works at: https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd Recommended Citation Wang, Jing, "Development of outdoor recreation resource amenity indices for West Virginia" (2008). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 2680. https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/2680 This Thesis is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by the The Research Repository @ WVU with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this Thesis in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you must obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This Thesis has been accepted for inclusion in WVU Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports collection by an authorized administrator of The Research Repository @ WVU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Development of Outdoor Recreation Resource Amenity Indices for West Virginia Jing Wang Thesis submitted to the Davis College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Consumer Sciences At West Virginia University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Resources Jinyang Deng, Ph.D., Chair Chad
    [Show full text]
  • Regulations Summary 2019
    WEST VIRGINIA FISHINGRegulations Summary 2019 wvdnr.gov From the Director Last year the DNR released an updated, online interactive map that provides valuable information on all aspects of fishing and hunting adventures. DNR personnel are continuing to update information and produce new, useful maps. After hearing about the need from anglers in an online survey, DNR personnel collected lake depth data and processed new bathymetry maps for 35 lakes across the state. These maps are now available on the interactive fishing map and downloadable to print or take with you on your mobile device. Also, anglers can now access the real-time streamflow conditions from the U.S. Geological Survey on our interactive fishing map. The real-time information allows anglers to check on flow and make decisions about whether fishing conditions are ideal before heading out to a stream or river. Visit wvdnr.gov/gis for more details and links to the interactive map and other map pages. You helped fund this project through the Sport Fish Restoration Program, using excise taxes on selected fishing equipment and boat fuel. I encourage you to take advantage of West Virginia’s abundant natural resources and go fishing every chance you get. And take a friend or family member with you. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Stephen S. McDaniel, DNR Director DISTRICT OFFICES Main Office - South Charleston, WV 25303 324 4th Avenue Fish Management − Mark T. Scott (304) 558-2771 Law Enforcement − Col. Jerry Jenkins (304) 558-2784 License Unit − Michael Ingram (304) 558-2758 District 1 - Farmington, WV 26571 1110 Railroad Street (304) 825-6787 Fish Management − Dave Wellman Law Enforcement − Capt.
    [Show full text]
  • Poster Pitzer Kanawha River
    Kanawha River Watershed New River, Greenbrier River, Elk River, Gauley River, Coal River, and Kanawha River Mainstem. The bigger picture: via the Ohio River, the river systems in the Kanawha River Water- shed are part of the Mississippi River drainage basin. Coal River Watershed Kanawha River Mainstem The Coal River is formed near the community of Alum Creek by the confluence of the The Kanawha River begins near the town of Gauley Bridge in northwestern Fayette Big Coal River and Little Coal Rivers and flows into the Kanawha River at St. Albans. County, above Kanawha Falls. The River is formed by the confluence of the New and the Gauley rivers and flows north and west to join the Ohio River at Point Fast facts: Drainage area 900 square miles Pleasant, in Mason County. Length: 19 miles Fast facts: Inset graphics: Drainage area 8,450 square miles Mining. The drainage basin has been mined since the 1800’s and continues to be Length: 96.5 miles. mined today. The Kanawha River is the fourth largest tributary of the Ohio River and is West Virginia’s largest inland waterway. The Walhonde Water Trail is an 88 mile water trail on the Big, Little, and Coal rivers that offers canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Name origin: Kanawha is a Native-American word for “white rocks.” Native American tribes identified the New River and the Kanawha River as being one river, as did many early white explorers. Landmarks to show on the map: (Little Coal is 27.6 miles from mouth to confluence of Spruce and Pond Locks and Dams: Three locks and dams on the Kanawha River located at London, Marmet, and Winfield provide approximately 90 miles of transportation from Forks; and Deepwater, a community 20 miles north of Charleston, to Point Pleasant and the Ohio River.
    [Show full text]
  • WV LRD Summersville Hydroelectric Project Proposal
    Report to Congress for Future Water Resources Development (WRRDA 7001) Submission Package Proposal Name: Raising Winter Pool Level and Expanding hydroelectric generation capability at the Sum- mersville Hydroelectric Project on the Gauley River in Nicholas County, WV. Submission Date: 08/22/2019 Proposal ID Number: 0a57feba-5832-485d-b8ff-72c314decadb Purpose of Proposal: This proposal requests Congress authorize and appropriate funds to the U.S. Army C orps of Engineers (USACE), Huntington District to conduct the following operational flexibility studies for the Summersville Lake and Dam to achieve additional or enhanced hydroelectric generation capability fro m the Summersville hydroelectric project, as follows: 1.A feasibility study to confirm that raising the wi nter pool by up to 50 feet during winter months does not defeat another authorized project purpose. 2.A f easibility study to confirm that specific operational changes in winter to reduce the frequency of valve byp ass flow releases in the Summersville Lake, under certain weather conditions, to minimize the spilling of wa ter that could otherwise be used for additional or enhanced hydroelectric generation capability, do not defe at another authorized project purpose. 3.A feasibility study to confirm that specific models and forecastin g tools are an approved alternative to set the optimum summer pool refill start date rather than adhering t o the fixed April 1 date. For Example, beginning refill date could be based on lake temperature to coordi nate with fish spawning. After completion of the studies, the USACE, Huntington District would be aut horized to make modifications, changes or add deviations to the approved Summersville Lake Water Contr ol Manual, Plan, or practice to add and_or enhance hydroelectric generation capabilities at the Summersvi lle Lake and Dam on the Gauley River in Nicholas County, WV, so long as they do not defeat another aut horized project purpose.
    [Show full text]