The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the surrender of the exemption held by Lake Upchurch Dam Preservation Association for the Raeford Hydroelectric Project No. 6619, located on Rockfish Creek at Upchurch Pond in Cumberland County, North Carolina. The generating equipment has not operated since 2016 following storm damage. The applicant proposes to remove electrical connections and the substation to prevent future generation, with no modifications to the dam or spillways. FERC plans to issue the EA by July 31, 2025, followed by a 30-day public comment period.12