Public comment open on Ela Dam license surrender
Ela Dam has been in operation since 1925. File photo
Last week, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission accepted an application that Northbrook Carolina Hydro II LLC submitted in November seeking to relinquish its license to generate power from Ela Dam on the Oconaluftee River.
The decision kicks off a public input period that ends March 13.
The dam is located downstream of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Northbrook’s property abuts the Qualla Boundary for 1.5 miles. If the application is approved, Northbrook would leave the dam and associated structures intact but would disconnect from the grid and remove generators and turbines.
According to FERC, Northbrook intends eventually to deed the property to Mainspring Conservation Trust “for potential future removal of the dam after the surrender is final.” Regardless of whether the dam is ultimately removed, Mainspring has said, the license surrender would open up opportunity for ecological and cultural restoration along the 1.5-mile stretch of water.
FERC has invited the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Muscogee Creek Nation and Catawba Indian Nation to participate in the process. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has submitted a motion requesting to be considered a party in the action.
Comments can be submitted at ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp. For assistance, contact FERC Online Support at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 866.208.3676. View the entire filing at ferc.gov using docket number P-2601-077.
— Holly Kays, Outdoors Editor
