 |
|
|
|
|
|
Water Quality
Water quality in the State of North Carolina is regulated by the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality and water quality in the State of Tennessee is regulated by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Tennessee Water Quality Control Board, Division of Water Pollution Control. Water quality in the Project reservoirs is variable and is generally considered very good to good.
The Tapoco Project Shoreline Management Plan establishes a number of regulations to enhance or protect water quality in the reservoirs. The Tapoco reservoirs on the Little Tennessee River, as well as undeveloped areas on Santeetlah Reservoir are maintained in their natural state. Shoreline areas that require special protection have been designated as “Stewardship Areas”. These areas support important or sensitive natural areas, such as wetlands; aquatic and terrestrial habitats; and/or cultural resources. Additionally, all shoreline areas adjacent to the Nantahala National Forest on Santeetlah Reservoir have been classified as Stewardship Area.
As part of the Tapoco Relicensing Settlement Agreement, Tapoco provides continuous flows in the Cheoah River and Calderwood bypass reaches and protected 10,000 acres of undeveloped forest within the watershed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
