Q and A
What is included with the Hydroelectric Dam licensing project?
There are 7 stages in the FERC licensing process. They are: Pre-consultation Studies, First Stage Consultation Package, Exhibit E - Environmental Reports, Exhibits A-G - Engineering Studies, Supporting Design Report, Water Quality Certification Application and License Application. We have completed the Pre-consultation Studies and are currently working on the First Stage Consultation Package. The project will conclude with the License Application filing in June of 2004.
How will this project impact the water-level of Lake Shafer and Lake Freeman?
We are not anticipating any change in the operation of either facility as a result of the licensing process, therefore the water-levels of both lakes will not be impacted as a result of the FERC licensing process.
How will this affect the environment?
As we are not anticipating any change in the operation of either facility, we do not expect there to be any change in environmental conditions as a result of the FERC licensing process.
Were these dams ever licensed by FERC in the past?
No. FERC issued an order to NIPSCO on September 26, 2000 asserting jurisdiction over the Oakdale and Norway Hydroelectric dams, requiring NIPSCO to undertake a regulatory and environmental review to process to obtain a Federal License. This was FERC's first order to NIPSCO regarding the dams.
What is the timeline for this project?
There are a number of steps that must be completed prior to submitting the license application. We are currently in the first stage which consists of the "First Stage Consultation Package" scheduled for completion on January 31, 2002. The final filing date for the License Application is June 25, 2004. (You can view a detailed timeline here.)
What will the overall impact of this project be for the community?
As we do not expect any change in the operation of either the Norway or Oakdale facility, we are anticipating a minimal, if any, impact on the surrounding communities.
Will there be any physical changes to the dams?
At some point in the next several years, improvements will be made to the facilities as recommended by our independent engineering consultant responsible for the engineering studies required in the licensing process. These studies are scheduled to be completed in May of 2003, with the improvements to begin sometime after the filing of the recommendations. All recommendations will be reviewed and approved by FERC prior to implementation.