Frequently Asked Questions
1). The existing FERC operating license for the Holtwood project expires in 2014. Why is PPL pursuing a license amendment at this time instead of waiting for the traditional licensing timeline?
In 2004, when river flow was high, only 3 percent of the American Shad that got over the downriver Conowingo Hydroelectric Station passed over the dam at Holtwood during the spawning season. Additional steps are needed to give American Shad and other migratory fish species a better chance of reaching their natural spawning habitat in the Susquehanna River and its tributaries. Based on the experience of the 2004 spawning season, PPL – working in cooperation with state and federal agencies – began to consider options to address fish passage issues before the current operating license for Holtwood expires in 2014. PPL has decided to seek a modification of the existing license instead of waiting for the traditional relicensing process. This decision will advance the Susquehanna River shad restoration program by as much as 10 years. It’s the right thing to do for the river, for the environment and for people who enjoy fishing.
2). How long has PPL been meeting with regulatory agencies about this plan?
PPL began discussing the plan with state and federal regulatory agencies in early 2005. The purpose of those discussions was to ensure that the proposal is consistent and complementary to state and federal environmental and recreational resource goals and objectives. Agency staff has been instrumental in helping PPL formulate a plan that addresses key issues and provides the opportunity for a new source of renewable energy. That plan is now undergoing broad public scrutiny. Public review and comment by a wide range of project stakeholders will take place in the spring and summer of 2006.
3). What is this plan all about and why should I participate in the public process?
The Holtwood 2010 proposal includes improvements to the migratory fish passage facility and construction of a new 125 megawatt hydroelectric generating plant adjacent to the existing hydroelectric plant along the Lancaster County shore. These improvements include extensive in-river rock excavation to create additional passage routes for American shad, replacement of wooden flashboards on the Holtwood dam with new inflatable rubber dam segments, and construction of a new low-height barrier dam across the Susquehanna River immediately below the existing Holtwood dam. The inflatable dam is expected to stabilize lake levels, improve recreational boating and enhance flow control for migratory fish. The barrier dam is expected to stabilize river habitat downstream of the Holtwood dam and direct American shad to the fish passage facility.
As part of the overall plan, PPL will examine Holtwood project operations with respect to environmental and recreational management programs and use of project lands and waters, which have been made available for public uses for nearly 100 years and provide substantial public recreational benefits. As part of this project, PPL will seek new and innovative approaches to ensure that its management of the Holtwood project complements regional, local, and individual resource objectives and uses. Input from a wide range of groups and individuals is essential to this process.
4). What is the overall timeline for this project and how can I participate?
PPL is meeting with interested parties to thoroughly discuss project components and operating plans for the Holtwood plant that will establish project priorities for future plant operations. A schedule of the meetings is listed on this Web site. The purpose of these meetings will be to build consensus among stakeholders and ultimately reach a written agreement prior to the filing of a license amendment application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). PPL will take the appropriate amount of time to ensure broad support of this project. PPL will be seeking from FERC an extension of the existing operating license until 2030.
5). How will I be able to track what is going on if I’m not able to attend and participate in planned meetings?
Not everyone will be able to attend meetings during working hours. For those who can't attend meetings, PPL has established this Web site, www.holtwood2010.com, that provides regular updates on the project including meeting summaries. Stakeholders will also have the opportunity to be heard via a project e-mail link to key PPL personnel including Holtwood’s Project Manager for Licensing. To provide comments or ask questions about the project, just click on the "Contact Us" link on this Web site.
In addition, particularly for those without computer access, PPL will keep a project mailing list and will monthly meeting summaries and important project information in hardcopy form, when requested.
6). Is this project a done deal or are there conditions to be met before PPL will proceed with construction?
In parallel with the public review process that is under way, PPL is also undertaking detailed engineering design of project components to refine project costs.
Critical to a final decision on the project will be a reaffirmation of expected construction costs and consensus on project components and long-term plans of project operation. PPL will also be seeking qualification of this project as a Tier I "low-impact" renewable generation project under the state’s recently enacted Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard. Each of these factors will enter into PPL’s final decision on the project.
7). How can I get involved in this project?
If you are unable to attend the public meetings contact PPL and inform us of your interest in the project. A "Contact Us" option is included on this Web site. PPL’s Project Manager for Licensing would be happy to speak with you to ensure that your voice is heard during the course of this project.
8). Will new power lines have to be built to support this project?
The additional electricity generated by Holtwood can be carried by existing lines. A short transmission line, serving as an outlet for the new generation, will be constructed on plant property leading up to the substation at the top of the hill overlooking the hydroelectric plant.