Background
TAlking points
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UNEssential Energy:
The Tugalo Dam, built over 100 years ago, only produces 45 megawatts of power. This represents less than 1% of Georgia Power’s total energy portfolio, which will be made further redundant once the Vogtle Nuclear Facility becomes active next year.
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Greener Alternatives:
The energy loss caused by dam removal could sufficiently be replaced by more efficient & less impactful sources, such as increasing capacity at a different hydroelectric dam in Georgia Power’s North Georgia Project, or further investment into Georgia Power’s growing solar portfolio.
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Rising Sediment:
Growing sediment levels are reaching critical mass in the lake, negatively affecting dam efficiency, affecting lake water capacity and flood event storage, navigability and downstream aquatic health, and will potentially require costly mitigation measures – none of which Georgia Power has shown consideration.
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Ecological Imperative:
Dam removal & lake bed rewilding would restore ~600 acres of biologically rich forest land, thus increasing carbon storage & sequestration, as well as providing habitat and migratory corridors for many species of native plants and wildlife. These measures will improve ecological resilience in the watershed – a vitally important measure as the effects of climate change accelerate at alarming rates.
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Economic Opportunity:
The Chattooga River was granted wild & scenic river status in 1974. Yet, for over one century, the last few miles of this national treasure have been buried in an impoundment. Thousands of people come to recreate in the Chattooga River watershed each year, and the removal of the dam would restore over 4 miles of the Chattooga River, and 2 miles of the Tallulah River. Dam removal would facilitate an increase in tourism associated with recreational opportunities such as world class whitewater boating, fly fishing, and hiking.
- Follow this link https://ferconline.ferc.gov/QuickComment.aspx
- Fill out your contact information. You will then receive an email directing you to a commenting page.
- Enter Docket Number P-2354-152, select the docket, fill out your comment and submit!