Bryson Hydroelectric Project No. 2601 License Surrender

Northbrook Carolina II, LLC; Notice of Availability of Final Environmental Assessment

FERC has completed a final Environmental Assessment for Northbrook Carolina II, LLC's application to surrender the license for the Bryson Hydroelectric Project (No. 2601) on the Oconaluftee River in Swain County, North Carolina. The licensee proposes to sever the project's grid interconnection while leaving the multiple arch dam in place under North Carolina state dam safety regulation, with reservoir elevation and discharge unchanged. The EA concludes that the surrender, with appropriate environmental protective measures, would not constitute a major federal action significantly affecting the human environment.

Northbrook Hydro Carolina II, LLC; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment

This is a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the surrender of the Bryson Hydroelectric Project (FERC No. 2601), located on the Oconaluftee River in Swain County, North Carolina. Northbrook Hydro Carolina II, LLC applied to surrender the project license, proposing to disconnect from the utility grid and remove generators and turbines while leaving the dam intact. The licensee plans to deed the project to Mainspring Conservation Land Trust for potential future dam removal. FERC staff plans to complete the EA by January 31, 2025, followed by a 30-day public comment period. No alternatives or impact analysis appear in this notice.