Appalachian Power has received a new 30-year license to operate the Smith Mountain Pumped Storage Project.
Appalachian Power’s existing 50-year license for the hydroelectric project expires March 31. The utility says the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission granted the new license Tuesday.
The 636-megawatt project consists of the Smith Mountain and Leesville reservoirs and two sets of generators in the Smith Mountain Dam and the Leesville Dam.
Appalachian Power, a unit of American Electric Power, says operational procedures and management plans incorporated in the license address water quality, endangered species, recreation and other issues. (AP)