By Michael Hewlett
Journal Reporter
Thursday, May 07, 2009
State grants permit to Alcoa
The N.C. Division of Water Quality said this afternoon that it has issued a crucial water-quality permit to Alcoa Power Generating Inc.
Alcoa, the largest U.S. producer of aluminum, needed the permit in order to get a federal license that would allow the company to operate four hydroelectric dams along the Yadkin River.
The company is seeking a new 50-year license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Since 1958, the company has run four dams, including one at High Rock Lake in Davidson County.
Controversy has surrounded Alcoa the past several months. Just this week, the N.C. Senate tentatively approved creating a state corporation that would acquire and control the dams if North Carolina is able to get control away from Alcoa. Gov. Bev Perdue has asked FERC to block Alcoa's request for a new license.
The water-quality permit has conditions attached, including requiring Alcoa to monitor sediment at the swim/picnic area and boat access area at Badin Lake for heavy metals, PCBs and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons. Stanly County officials have raised concerns about contamination from the smelting plant that Alcoa operated in the town of Badin.
The company also has to include protocols to control water levels in case of drought. Davidson County officials and residents along High Rock Lake have long complained about fluctuating lake levels.
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