The following is a news release from Duke Energy News regarding the anticipated spill from the Nantahala Plant
dated 10-26-09
The generator rotor at Nantahala Plant in western Macon County is being repaired for the first time since it began spinning in 1942.
Nantahala Plant Rotor Pole Work in 1942
Nantahala plant rotor pole work 2009
Nantahala Lake, is approximately 20 feet below full and rising. The original plan called for Nantahala Lake to be lowered 60 feet before October 4. However, due to the unseasonably wet September across the southeast, the lake was only lowered 32 feet below full. There are no current plans to lower the lake for maintenance in the foreseeable future.
Water may be allowed to spill through the flood gates at Nantahala plant as early as next week, November 2, 2009. [Note from ERA: this mean the Cascades/Upper Nantahala]
Allowing water to spill through the flood gates at the Nantahala plant will temporarily close one of the two roads below the dam. These roads are primarily used as exit roads. One resident will have a longer drive to Junaluska Road.
The water will be released from the floodgates in coordination with Macon County, USFS, NC Wildlife Resources Commission and other officials to consider public safety, natural resources, and dam protection. Water will be released from the floodgates as needed to keep the lake from getting too high.
Releasing water from the floodgates will not affect generator maintenance, but it does represent a loss of future generation. The hydro generating plant, shut down on October 4, is scheduled to resume operation by December 31.
For more information, contact Fred Alexander at fred.alexander@duke-energy
ERA’s note: check out recent video of the Cascades compliments of Sara and Danny.