The FERC staff issued a draft Environmental Assessment (FEA) today for the 207.3 MW Saluda hydroelectric project on the Saluda River in Lexington, Richland, Newberry, and Saluda counties, South Carolina.

The EA recommends the Commission to issue a license for the project as recommended by staff adding that- “Continuing to operate the Saluda Project with [staff] recommended measures would ensure higher lake levels in Lake Murray while providing increased minimum flows to the lower Saluda River that would benefit fisheries resources and recreational use.”

Coalition members American Rivers, American Whitewater, and Coastal Conservation League had entered into an agreement last year that governs how the project will be operated.

The Commission allows 45 days to file comments on the draft EA.