Call to Action: Submit a Comment on the Relicensing Process for the Cheat Lake (Lake Lynn) Hydropower Dam

Eagle Creek, the operator of the Lake Lynn (Cheat Lake) hydropower dam, is in the relicensing process for its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) License. Under the authority of the Federal Power Act, FERC has the exclusive authority to license most non-federal hydropower projects located on navigable waterways or federal lands, or connected to the interstate electric grid. The current license for the Lake Lynn project was issued in 1994. The new license is for a 40-year term. The hydropower licenses contain terms and conditions related to:

  • Public safety and recreation
  • Operational reliability
  • Dam safety
  • Water and energy supply
  • Environmental and cultural resources

This License will set the conditions and expectations for the management of Lake Lynn for the next 40 years.

FERC is currently accepting public comments on the Scoping Document with a deadline of October 25, 2023.

You can help shape this process, and the future of Lake Lynn (Cheat Lake) by sharing your opinion and submitting a Public Comment.

You can read or download the FERC Scoping Document below.

Friends of the Cheat has composed comments which are available below. You can use them to inform the development of your own comments or you can simply file a Public Comment stating that you concur with the comments submitted by Friends of the Cheat.

How to submit your comments:

To file a comment with FERC, use their E-File system. NOTE: you must make an account first! For first time filers especially, the process can be complex, but this video will guide you through the process. Use P-2459-279 (Lake Lynn Hydroelectric Project). If you have any issues in filing you can email FERC’s Office of Public Participation at OPP@ferc.gov or by phone at (202) 502-6595.

FERC resources

https://www.ferc.gov/submitting-effective-comments

https://www.ferc.gov/how-file-comment

https://www.ferc.gov/ferc-online/overview