As a part of its application to relicense three hydroelectric dams on the Chattahoochee river near Columbus and Pheonix City, Georgia Power Co proposes measures to improve aquatic habitats, fisheries, recreational access, water quality, rare plant and wildlife species and historic properties.
The US company estimates the improvements would cost US$1.4M. Each improvement proposal also would have to be approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as part of the relicensing process before they could be implemented. The dams – Goat Rock, Oliver and North Highlands – make up the Middle Chattahoochee hydroelectric project.
The application has been filed with FERC, which is reviewing the draft environmental assessment accompanying the application and could issue a new license early next year.